FORSCOM Best Squad 2022

Photo By Sgt. Kendall Lewis | Soldiers representing 2nd Brigade Combat Team “Strike”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the XVIII Airborne Corps continued day three of the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition with a combat medical lane scenario and rescuing a mock high value individual while dealing with a mass casualty scenario at Ft. Hood, Tx. Aug. 17, 2022. Each of these events tested the physical and mental toughness of each squad to see which squad will represent FORSCOM at the Best Squad of the Army competition, which will take place at Ft. Bragg, NC. (U.S. Army Photos by Spc. Kendall Lewis, 40th Public Affairs Detachment)  

FORT HOOD, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

08.15.2022

Story by Spc. Kendall Lewis 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

First Place finish for 101st at FORSCOM Best Squad
Spc. Kendall Lewis
40th Public Affairs Detachment

Fort Hood, Texas – Soldiers representing 2nd Brigade Combat Team “Strike” took part in the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Best Squad Competition held at Fort Hood, Texas. The competition lasted five days with different events to test each Soldier’s physical and mental readiness.
This event was the fourth phase of the best squad competition, starting at the brigade level, with the final phase being the Army wide best squad competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. in September. The best squad competitions have been taking place since June with 2nd BCT representing the 101st training to be at their best in each one.
“I wanted these guys and myself to be at our peak physically and metally,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Rodriguez, scout platoon sergeant and squad leader from Lubbock, Texas. “Sgt. Row and myself came up with a workout regiment that would do just that. We are conducting personal fitness training as a group twice a day in the mornings and in the afternoon when it's most humid and hot. The reasoning for this was to prepare for any weather that can occur at this time of the year.”
The rigorous training is paying off because the squad is performing at a high standard in the competitions. During the FORSCOM competition, each of the members scored 590 or better on their Army Combat Fitness Test and was the first team to finish a 12 mile foot march on the last day of the competition. With each event and competition, the squad members are looking to better prepare themselves, learn from any mistakes, and continue to foster the brotherhood and camaraderie that has developed since the squad was formed.
“I joined the Army to do something better with my life and be around the best people possible,” said Sgt. Andrew Row, senior scout and squad member from Columbus, Ohio. “Being a part of this team is one of the best experiences I have had during my Army career. We show up every day looking to compete with each other and be the best possible squad we can be while representing our brothers and sisters that are forward and those stateside, along with the 101st Division and in every possible way representing our families and loved ones.”
The squad has been training together for months, and each member brings a unique experience to the team and it has been noticeable throughout each competition. Each member has areas they excel at, whether it's marksmanship, medical skills, fitness or even a comedian with a well timed joke. Each of these Soldiers wants to contribute to this success, which is why they look forward to the challenges associated with past competitions and the final one at Fort Bragg.
“I am honored to be a part of this team because I am surrounded by individuals who push me to be the best I can be each and every day,” said Cpl. Jared Kiner, company medic and squad member from Troy, Mo. “I would like to thank my command for the opportunity to be a part of this team and fellowship with this great group of individuals that make up this team. Every day we work together has been a grind, but I am happy to work extremely hard with these guys each and every day.”
All five members of the squad strive to do their best to represent FORSCOM, XVIII Airborne Corps, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 2nd Brigade Combat Team “Strike” and their families as they move on to the next phase of the competition. They have worked tirelessly to compete at the highest level and win. This squad has been training together for months and has gained a greater understanding of who they are and what they have yet to accomplish as a member of a team and in their military careers. The hard work and dedication to the team has made them successful to this point, and they look to keep that same effort going forward.

• Date Taken: 08.15.2022
• Date Posted: 09.01.2022 12:11
• Story ID: 427858
• Location: FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US