Muleskinners perform Lieutenant Warrior Challenge

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Couffer | Starkville, Miss., native 2nd Lt. Matthew Mott, the executive officer for Company B, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is put into the rear-choke hold, during the combative portion of the Lieutenant Warrior Challenge, here, Sept. 12.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, IRAQ

09.12.2011

Story by Sgt. John Couffer 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

COS KALSU, Iraq – The sun had just begun to rise over the horizon as they marched, wearing all their gear, with purpose through dust-filled air. It was at this time that they may have already started to ask themselves why they had volunteered.
The 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted an all-exclusive Lieutenant Warrior Challenge, here, Sept. 12.

The challenge was comprised of five volunteer officers; three first lieutenants and two second lieutenants.

“This challenge was a little more physical than what soldiers go through,” said Lt Col. Jason Carrico, the commander of 115th Brigade Support Battalion. “The intent [of this challenge] was to test the officers a little more [than soldiers] to give them a good understanding and flavor of what their soldiers go through.”
This was a nine-hour, nonstop challenge consisting of various soldier tasks. It included an Army Physical Fitness Test, Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services for Army vehicles, an obstacle course, a ruck-march, survival skills testing, and Army combatives.

“It felt great [to compete]. It identified our strengths and weaknesses throughout our battalion,” said 1st Lt. Nathan Miller, the executive officer for Company C, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. “[Identifying those] shortcomings are going to make us better officers.”

When Miller’s leadership presented him with the opportunity to compete, Miller said he jumped at it and took it head on.

“[This challenge] definitely raised the bar on my morale,” Miller said.
Miller said the challenge pushed him hard, mentally and physically. He said he was glad to have support from the non-commissioned officers, first sergeants, and other key leadership and personnel who mentored him and his fellow officers through the course.
“I’m always up for a challenge. I’m always willing to do my part and to have a good time,” said Miller. “I might as well take advantage of these events when they come.”

Miller said this event helped unify the battalion and reinforce the camaraderie of the officers within it.

The challenge concluded with an Army Board hosted by the battalion commander, commander sergeant major, and first sergeants from the companies within the battalion, explained Carrico.

“We had a great time,” Carrico concluded. “It’s always good to see your lieutenants get out and work as hard as your soldiers. I was absolutely impressed with their performance, they had great motivation, good technical skills, [they] were outstanding.”

• Date Taken: 09.12.2011
• Date Posted: 09.14.2011 05:15
• Story ID: 76997
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, IQ