207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater) competes in INSCOM’s first "Best Squad Competition"

Photo By Jordan Pearson | Soldiers from the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade conduct dismounted patrol operations during INSCOM's first annual Best Squad Competition at Fort A.P. Hill's Camp Wilcox.  

FORT A.P. HILL, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

05.01.2023

Story by Sgt. Jordan Pearson 

207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater)

FORT A.P. Hill, VA. – On April 18th, soldiers from the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater) traveled to Fort A.P. Hill’s Camp Willcox to compete in U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command's first-ever "Best Squad competition."

After being issued equipment on the night of April 19th, the small team received their first warning order and began to devise a strategy for the next twenty-four hours. The following morning, the team was confronted with temperatures north of 80 degrees and an unforgiving humidity level. After an early morning ACFT, the team geared up for an intense day of dismounted patrol operations.

While attempting to locate 8 grid coordinates, the competitors unexpectedly encountered simulated enemy combatants throughout the day. This provided graders an opportunity to assess each team’s response to real-world scenarios.

Squad leader, Staff Sgt. Alexander Hyrcyk spoke about the difficulty of operating in the harsh elements, and the amount of teamwork and communication required to succeed.

“Land navigation was the most difficult event for our team,” said Hrycyk. “The heat, terrain, and distance tested our ability to stay focused, make sound decisions, and our will to continue.”

Throughout the 3 days of field competition, competitors conducted dismounted patrol operations covering over 28 miles, and a twelve-mile ruck march. Each squad was assessed on their ability to disassemble, reassemble, and fire 7 different weapons systems, ranging from the M2 pistol to the .50 caliber rifle.

On the final day, squads were transported an hour north to INSCOM headquarters for the culminating event; board interviews with INSCOM’s senior noncommissioned officers. Upon completion, the competitors enjoyed a barbeque dinner and returned to their home stations.

In total, each squad received assessments in 8 major events.

The winners of this year’s competition will be announced during INSCOM’s Senior Leader Conference at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and will represent INSCOM at the Army’s Best Squad Competition later this year.

The 207th Military Intelligence Brigade Theater conducts intelligence analysis, collection, and exploitation in support of Southern European Task Force-Africa (SETAF AF) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) in order to set the intelligence architecture for the theater, disrupt trans-national and trans-regional threats and promote regional stability in Africa while building and maintaining intelligence readiness.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2023
• Date Posted: 05.04.2023 03:42
• Story ID: 443718
• Location: FORT A.P. HILL, VIRGINIA, US