Photo By Michael Vanpool | Soldiers of the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, 36th Inf. Div. square off...... read more read more
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By Spc. Michael Vanpool
36th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
CAMP BULLIS, Texas – Select soldiers of the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, spent the weekend before Thanksgiving competing for the mantel of top soldier and top noncommissioned officer.
But what does it take to be one of these best? Specialist Greg Campos said it takes a wholly committed will to be tough.
“He [soldier] has that drive to get up there every morning and complete those tasks that he knows will wear him out physically and mentally,” said Campos, of the 197th Support Company. “He just gets up and goes, and just takes it on the chin and toughs it out.”
All of the thirteen participants, volunteered to test themselves and pit their abilities against their peers.
“A soldier’s attitude, the outlook they have when they walk into a situation, will make or break them for their career,” said Staff Sgt. Aubrey Cole, of the 197th Special Operations Airborne Company. “I would much rather have a Soldier with a great attitude, who may not have all the skills immediately, than one who is brilliant yet lacks a sufficient attitude.”
The contest was the first time most of the soldiers met, and by the end of the weekend, they were laughing and joking like old friends. After facing off in the combatives tournament, they eagerly compared bruises and congratulated each other on submissions.
“Although all of us here are competing against each other, the camaraderie has been really awesome,” Cole said. “I wouldn’t feel bad if any of them were to beat me in this competition. I have the utmost respect for each and every one of them.”
Even amongst the camaraderie, the spirit of rivalry continued to push the participants through each of the tasks.
“They enjoy being in the competition, and they don’t want to do badly,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Garcia, of the 4th Battalion, 133th Field Artillery Regiment, 36th Inf. Div. “Every one of them wants to do the best they can do and be number one, that’s what I’m seeing. It’s pretty inspiring. I like that kind of attitude with young soldiers and young NCOs.”
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2012 11:42 |
| Story ID: | 98223 |
| Location: | CAMP BULLIS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 256 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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