Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Calkins | Spc. Clifton F. Adams III, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment,...... read more read more
McCRADY TRAINING CENTER, S.C. – After two days of exams and warrior tasks during a brigade level soldier of the Year board, the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is proud to announce Spc. Clifton F. Adams III as the Soldier of the Year and Staff Sgt. Miguel Diego-Mendez as the Non-commissioned Officer of the Year.
Five soldiers participated in six events covering a variety of skills tests to include a written land navigation test; an Army Physical Fitness Test; M4 qualification; warrior skill tasks; in-ranks inspection; and leaders board.
Soldiers prepared for the competition through online searches and reading Army technical manuals as well as mentorship from members of their respective National Guard units.
“I actually had about two weeks to prepare between working a 60-hour job,” said Staff Sgt. Eric S. Canupp.
The board process began with a land navigation test consisting of identifying features on a map, calculating measurements and locating points on a map. Spc. Clifton F. Adams III achieved the highest land navigation score with a 96.6 percent.
Spc. Anthony C. Burgess ended the first day of events during an APFT two-mile run with the time of 15:52.
“Being in the lead made me feel strong,” said Burgess. “It helped keep me motivated to stay ahead.”
The second day of the competition began with an M4 weapons qualification on the Engagement Skills Trainer indoor range. Soldiers zeroed their weapons prior to qualifying in the prone-supported, prone-unsupported and kneeling positions. Canupp qualified “expert” with a score of 36 and Staff Sgt. Miguel Diego-Mendez qualified “sharpshooter” with a score of 34.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been on a simulator,” said Diego-Mendez. “It’s good because it shows your fundamentals and it’s a good tool before going to the range.”
After qualification, soldiers were tested over a series of Warrior Tasks to include assembling a SINGARS man pack radio, identifying major terrain features on a map, and performing first aid to clear an object stuck in the throat of a conscious casualty.
The final and most intense portion of the board included an in-ranks inspection of soldiers in their dress uniforms followed by the Leaders Board, with members consisting of ranks ranging from master sergeant to command sergeant major.
“We are very proud of the Soldiers who participated in the 218th MEB soldier of the Year board,” said Command Sgt. Major Doug Gilliam, 218th MEB command sergeant major. “We have a company, battalion and brigade effort to make sure our soldiers are prepared for the state board held in March.”
After the events concluded and announcements were made, the soldiers congratulated one another and were able to relax.
“This isn’t a total victory yet,” said Adams. “Go to a board to go all the way!”
The following Soldiers are commended for their exceptional efforts in the 218th MEB soldier of the Year competition:
Soldier of the Year, Spc. Clifton F. Adams III, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment;
1st Runner-up for Soldier of the Year, Spc. Anthony C. Burgess, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery;
Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, Staff Sgt. Miguel Diego-Mendez, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment;
1st Runner-up for NCO of the Year, Staff Sgt. Eric S. Canupp, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery;
2nd Runner-up for NCO of the Year, Sgt. Shawnette B. Burkett, 218th Brigade Support Battalion.
| Date Taken: | 01.07.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2012 08:45 |
| Story ID: | 82208 |
| Location: | MCCRADY TRAINING CENTER, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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