Photo By Master Sgt. Thomas Bixler | ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Ten Soldiers from various units with the 213th Regional Support...... read more read more
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Ten Soldiers from various units with the 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard competed for the titles of 213th RSG Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, 213th RSG Soldier of the Year, and the Command Sergeant Major Jay H. Fields Award on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Sergeant Jennie Rupert, Headquarters, 28th Financial Management Support Unit, was selected as the 213th RSG NCO of the Year; Private First Class Ryan Hornickel, 121st Transportation Company is the 213th RSG Soldier of the Year; and Sgt. Tyler Landis, 121st Transportaion Company, was given the Command Sgt. Maj. Jay H. Fields Award.
Command Sgt. Major Andrew Campbell, 213th RSG command sergeant major, speaking generally about boards, said, “Sometimes you have a clear standout and you know that’s your winner, however this year competitors were actually within one point of each other on two of the three boards.” He went on to say that because of the closeness of this competition it was one of the most enjoyable of recent memory.
Soldiers are first evaluated on quantifiable data such as their last three physical fitness tests, range qualification, a personal biography, and military history. Then they are brought before senior leaders for an interview-style questionnaire. Questions range in topics from basic warrior training tasks and military bearing to Army history and current events. During that interview Soldiers are also evaluated on things like their appearance and confidence.
The winners will represent the RSG at the state level next month at the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Best Warrior NCO of the Year, Best Warrior Soldier of the Year, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jay H. Fields Award Boards. At the state, competition categories increase to events that may include a ruck march, land navigation, military subjects exam, weapons qualification, or even an obstacle course. Winners at that level then move on to regionals.
Campbell said Soldiers had about five months to prepare for Saturday’s board and that he is working to increase prep time to a year.
Last year, a Pennsylvania Guardsman, Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 166th Regiment, won two national level titles, claiming the Army National Guard NCO of the Year and the 2019 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held in Oklahoma.
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2020 14:30 |
| Story ID: | 362325 |
| Location: | ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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