Photo By Sgt. Sarah Stannard | Army Spc. Juan Jackson, a Soldier with Joint Task Force Guantanamo's 525th Military...... read more read more
Subscribe
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – For enlisted troopers and commissioned officers, standing before a board of superiors is a long-time tradition of advancement. Taking a barrage of questions from leaders you may not even know, maintaining strict military bearing, and remembering a laundry list of both vital and obscure military knowledge are all expected.
Two 525th Military Police Battalion Soldiers did more than answer questions as they went before the U.S. Army South Soldier of the Quarter and Non-commissioned Officer of the Quarter boards this week in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
The two Joint Task Force Guantanamo Soldiers, Sgt. Jonathan Vasquez and Spc. Juan Jackson, left Guantanamo on Feb. 14 to participate in the competition. The boards last five days and included events such as a standard panel of questioning rifle qualification, physical fitness test, an obstacle course and a land navigation exercise.
"[The USARSO board] has a lot more situational questions," Vasquez said on Feb. 13. "It's a lot more putting in your own perspective and opinion."
"I think it'll be more competitive," Jackson said, Feb. 13, comparing his USARSO board expectations to his past experience. "It's their best and it's our best." He added that not knowing anyone he's going to be competing against makes the entire event "fresh."
The two Soldiers were selected by the 525th because Jan. 22 each was selected as Soldier and NCO of the Quarter, respectively, with the 525th's battalion-wide board. Both won monthly boards for November 2008, with Jackson taking Soldier of the Month and Vasquez taking NCO of the Month.
Jackson said that the USARSO board will only be his third military board ever.
"I'm not a person [who is] easily intimidated," Jackson said. "I have confidence in myself."
Jackson said that he prepared for his USARSO board by simply studying whenever the opportunity came up.
"That, and I try to maintain a positive attitude," he added.
Vasquez, a shop foreman and tool custodian for the 525th's motor pool, said he got his studying in even when performing other tasks. Vasquez went to USARSO's website and downloaded a digital audio file of the board study guide and put it on his personal music player to listen to.
Vasquez said he also received plenty of help and advice from his supervisors, specifically Staff Sgt. Adrian De Jesus, the battalion master driver and Vasquez's sponsor NCO for the USARSO board.
"[Vasquez] is the type of guy that all he needs is the ingredients," De Jesus said. "That's what he does; he's constantly trying to improve things."
As his board sponsor, De Jesus will present Vasquez's basic packet to the board's sitting sergeants major, as well as provide an opening statement about his Soldier. Although De Jesus has done the job in the past, he's never gone to such a "big board" before.
"It's a very new experience for me as well," De Jesus said.
Jackson and Vasquez both said they believe going before a board is all about attitude and preparation.
"I say I own the place for the next 20 minutes," Vasquez said. "Be confident, sound off and just maintain your military bearing."
"Stay calm, and if you're prepared, you're prepared." Jackson said. "If you know it, you know it. Make some noise."
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2009 11:46 |
| Story ID: | 30430 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 222 |
| Downloads: | 206 |
This work, Attitude is Key for Next Level, by SPC Eric Liesse, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
