FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Soldiers from Fort Bragg, Fort Drum, N.Y. and Fort Stewart, Ga., gathered here to compete in a brigade-wide competition to determine the Officer of the Quarter for the 16th Military Police Brigade, Nov. 27.
These junior officers, from five different subordinate units, participated in a challenging two-day event, completing numerous physical, tactical and mental tests. Of the five Soldiers, it was 1st Lt. Margaret Susman, the executive officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 385th MP Battalion, 16th MP Bde, out of Fort Stewart, who took first place with a three point lead.
“The biggest challenge was the variety of events in which we participated in; we had to be knowledgeable in multiple areas of expertise,” said Susman.
The 16th MP Bde’s Officer of the Quarter board is an opportunity for junior officers to prove themselves against their peers. The competition included: preventative maintenance service and checks and services on military vehicles, a long distance group march, basic rifle marksmanship, physical fitness test, weapons knowledge, a written exam and an oral board.
“Our competition continues to grow,” said Capt. Joe Tull, assistant brigade training officer, who directed this quarter’s event. “With each additional contest we are adding more events that will challenge these officers in ways they’ve never been challenged before. It’s constantly developing into a better, diverse board each quarter.”
Throughout the year, the brigade’s lieutenants and junior warrant officers train diligently to represent their units with pride.
“This competition brings our brigade together and gives officers a chance to see the headquarters here at Fort Bragg,” said Col. Chad B. McRee, commander, 16th MP Bde. “It also helps build a cohesive team - they really have the opportunity to see that they are a part of a larger family."
Susman, a 2010 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., was quick choice to represent her battalion at the competition.
“Lieutenant Susman is awesome,” said Lt. Col. Jerry E. Chandler Jr., commander, 385th MP Battalion. “She is a quiet professional - small in stature - but big on heart. When deciding who to send to Fort Bragg to represent the 385th, Maggie was the first person to come to mind.”
Though Susman has taken the title of officer of the quarter, she will begin preparations for the officer of the year competition, which is scheduled to be held in the last quarter of next year, where she will be competing against three more of her peers.
“Getting ready for the next board, I’ll dive into the more intricate workings of Army doctrine and will continue to keep practicing on my Soldier skills,” said Susman.
Date Taken: | 11.30.2012 |
Date Posted: | 12.03.2012 18:16 |
Story ID: | 98683 |
Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 613 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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