Photo By Sgt. Maj. Andrew Porch | Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Gates, field artillery automated tactical data system specialist,...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. – Staff Sgt. Geoffery Gates and Spc. Phuong Diep were chosen as the best 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, has, after participating in the 2nd ABCT Noncommissioned Officer/Soldier of the Year “Best Warrior” Competition, April 22 to 25.
Soldiers competed in a number of events, including: the Army Physical Fitness Test, an oral board, a written test, a combatives tournament, an urban and field environment land navigation course, a six-mile ruck march, an M4 Carbine qualification, first-aid, reacting to direct and indirect fire, and reacting to a chemical attack.
“It’s important that once they get up to division, they have a good understanding of what the tasks will be,” said Sgt. 1st Class Spencer Polwort, brigade fire support NCO, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd ABCT. “It allows them to practice their skills before they get up to a higher level of competition.”
The soldiers knew before it would take a lot of dedication to win.
“There was a lot of studying involved, and I feel pretty honored to represent the brigade,” said Diep, automated logistical specialist, Company A, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd ABCT. “I have to thank my platoon sergeant for trusting me and recommending me for the board. It feels good to win.”
Diep is already preparing for the division level competition, but he knows winning will help him in the long run.
“I felt like I could take a step forward and be distinguished from all of my peers,” said Diep. “Winning this should make a difference. I’m thinking it will be an important step in moving forward to becoming an NCO.”
For others, the competition was a way to show their pride and worth to the brigade.
“I have been in the brigade for a little over five years,” said Gates, a field artillery automated tactical data system specialist. “I deployed twice, so I’m proud that I was able to compete and win NCO of year for the brigade.”
The events tested soldiers both physically and mentally.
The essay on the importance of keeping standards in the Army made people think, said Gates. As for the ruck, it was pretty heavy. It really pushed them more than they had ever been during a unit organized ruck march.
The challenge doesn’t stop here for Deip and Gates, as they prepare for the division level competition in May. The soldiers’ place of duty until the competition is at the Brigade Headquarters, where they will receive guidance and mentorship daily from all the battalion command sergeants major in the brigade.
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.09.2013 14:27 |
| Story ID: | 106653 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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