CAMP BLANDING JOINT TRAINING CENTER, Fla. - An instructor with the Florida Army National Guard’s 211th Regional Training Institute will be named one of the U.S. Army’s top military instructors.
Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Castillo has been selected as the 2010 Training and Doctrine Command Army National Guard instructor of the year from a pool of exceptional soldiers and instructors from around the nation. The competition, which is held annually, puts the very best from each state RTI head-to-head. The criteria for the instructor of the year competition requires candidates to submit a 15-20 minute videotape of themselves presenting a section of training to their students, as well as a supervisor’s nomination, biographical information, and an essay from each candidate on their greatest contribution and greatest challenge as an instructor.
“This recognition is well deserved,” said Col. Grant Slayden, commander of the 211th Regiment, based at Camp Blanding in North Florida. “Staff Sgt. Castillo is truly an example of the top-notch crew of staff and instructors serving with the 211th RTI…Castillo is among the best of the best.”
Castillo, a two year instructor from Jacksonville, Fla., brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his classroom having been a medic throughout his entire 16-year career, of which seven have been with the Florida Army National Guard.
“I love my job. By teaching others how to save lives you can expand your capabilities exponentially,” said Castillo.
Castillo said he was aware that other National Guard Bureau training institutes were sending their best to represent them during the competition and was at first skeptical as to whether or not he could actually win; at best he was hoping to place third.
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Mirones, a senior instructor and staff member of the 211th RTI, helped ensure that Castillo was prepared for the competition: “We videotaped him during his classes so he could make any necessary adjustments to his class. We made sure that he was as prepared as possible.”
The TRADOC instructor of the year Castillo noted he owes his “competitive edge to the quality of instructors” and mentors at the RTI.
“During my time in training – as both a student and instructor of the Florida RTI – I am pleased to find a climate and culture that facilitates both students and instructors to maximize their potential,” he added.
Castillo will travel in May to Virginia to receive his award and recognition.
“I look forward to the trip and the ceremony, but ultimately it was a combination of instructors, mentoring, and the learning environment that made this victory possible,” said Castillo. “I am truly honored.”
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2011 16:15 |
| Story ID: | 66886 |
| Location: | STARKE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 2,484 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Florida Guard Soldier named among Army’s top instructors, by MSgt Christopher Milbrodt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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