Mungadai challenge builds teamwork

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | A "Provider" Soldier with 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, performs a pull-up during the Mungadai challenge. Soldiers of 501st BSB participated in the Mungadai challenge on Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk, Iraq, April 3.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

04.12.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

According to legend, the Munga-Dai were the Special Forces of Genghis Khan's Mongol army, but now the term "Mungadai" has become an adventure challenge, like an Ironman competition, that tests Soldiers' endurance and warrior skills as a team.

Soldiers of 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, participated in the 501st BSB Mungadai Challenge on Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk, Iraq, April 3. Soldiers described the challenge as both tough and rewarding.

The Soldiers, in teams of five, trained for the event for more than a month, according to Spc. Virgil Raines, a Tampa Bay, Fla., native and a welder attached to 501st BSB.
During the event, the teams were required to fire their weapons, disassemble and reassemble the weapon, and immediately begin a two-mile run to a checkpoint.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint, the teams used their combat lifesaving skills on a "patient" and carry the 175-pound "patient" on a litter to the next checkpoint two miles away.

These two portions of the competition required the most teamwork, according to Pfc. Maritess Key, a native of Bagnio City, Philippines, and a 501st BSB Soldier.

"We had to stay together at all times and find innovative ways to complete each mission with all team members," Key said.

After the teams arrived with their litters, they completed a water jug carry, tire flip, push-up, pull-up, sit-up and chin-up competition at the Warrior Gym and Track.

Following the events, the winners, the Wolfpack Team of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 501st BSB, received prizes from Command Sgt. Maj. Ramon Caisido, a native of Dumunig, Guam, and 501st BSB command sergeant major. Caisido said he already has had a lot of Soldiers ask him about the next competition and how they can participate.

"They want to challenge themselves and push their limits after seeing the first competition; they all know this is the way to do it," Caisido said.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2010
• Date Posted: 04.12.2010 06:52
• Story ID: 47995
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ