Courtesy Photo | Spc. Antoine Mitchell, brigade command assistant with the 4th Sustainment Brigade,...... read more read more
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ – Weeks after competing in United States Division-South’s Arrowhead Stakes, Spc. Antoine Mitchell feels a bit stronger. A six-mile ruck march, bogged down by full tactical gear and scorching heat, a physical fitness test, memory tests and formal military boards might do that to a man.
He’s competed in four soldier competitions of this kind since joining the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, in late 2009. To him they’re just building blocks.
“You’re pushed to put your best foot forward, harden your skills, and act on those skills,” Mitchell said. “It shows character.”
The San Antonio native has served his country for over five years, with previous time spent in Germany.
Since becoming part of the Wrangler brigade, Mitchell has won both the Soldier of the Quarter and Soldier of the Year competitions. Months prior to deployment in support of Operation New Dawn, he again shined by placing second place in the 3rd Corps Soldier of the Year competition.
“I missed winning by one point,” he said.
Mitchell refers more to the tests and answers these events provide, rather than wins and losses.
“I use these competitions to see how far I’ve come since joining the Army. To see what I’m capable of and understand what it takes in a real situation,” he said.
While gauging his capacity for himself is vital, Mitchell also takes pride in proving to others the same.
“As a [human resource specialist], we aren’t always able to show our abilities. We can get down and dirty too,” he said.
His hard work and desire to succeed in competitions have caught his leadership’s eye.
Working as the brigade’s command assistant, his command sergeant major and veteran colonel have known he has a bright future for some time.
“I’ve always been able to count on him,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Erik Frey, the Wrangler brigade’s senior enlisted advisor, and a Killeen, Texas, native. “His professionalism and can-do attitude is what has impressed me the most the last few years.”
Mitchell just recently re-enlisted for an additional four years of military service, which will take him to the halfway point toward retirement.
Mitchell will have the opportunity to lead soon: He’s already gained his promotable status toward becoming a sergeant. From there, he wants to get to 10 years of Army service. At that point, he figures there’s no reason to stop there.
“I can see myself making this a career,” he said. “The military is all about mental discipline. Everything I experience now, I’m using to strengthen myself.”
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.24.2011 05:06 |
| Story ID: | 74225 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 260 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Wrangler continues to put his best foot forward, by SGT Sean Mcguire, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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