Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Crawford | Spc. Danielle Evans, a human resources specialist for the 408th Human Resources...... read more read more
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FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Five soldiers discovered what it meant to be a modern-day Soldier as they gathered to put their minds, bodies and spirits to the test for three full days.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to be able to participate,” said Sgt. Jestin Llewellyn, a signal support specialist with the 55th Sustainment Brigade here. “It refreshes soldiering skills and it pushes you to be a better leader. I’d do it for free.”
The competitors would not sit idle for long. Within an hour of arriving, the evaluators issued each soldier a weapon and began testing their warrior skills. While each competitor had been provided with a schedule, one key phrase would keep them on their toes: “Please note that dates and times are subject to change without notice.”
And they would.
With the competitors constantly split up among different and often unannounced evaluations, the schedule became more a polite suggestion than a set-in-stone play-by-play – a situation the competitors reveled in.
“I’m extremely excited,” said Spc. Danielle Evans, a human resources specialist with the 408th Human Resources Company based in Fort Totten, N.Y. “The Best Warrior Competition collects the most motivated soldiers that want to be mentally and physically challenged.
“We build camaraderie with other skilled soldiers, learn from leadership and are exposed to new things and experiences, so we can take that much more back to teach other Soldiers to improve their knowledge of the profession of arms,” said Evans, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.
After the first round of tests on warrior tasks and drills, the competitors’ physical fitness was put to the test way before the sun rose on day two. Sprinting against the biting-cold wind, the competitors proved they weren’t prepared to settle for less than the top during the Army Physical Fitness Test.
“I participate to be the best of the best,” said Spc. Zhikai Zhao, a motor vehicle operator with the 773rd Transportation Company based in Fort Totten. “Everyone’s really shown their ability as the best from their battalion. I can learn something from other competitors and find where I am, and how I can improve myself.”
After a hot meal and shower, the focus of the competition took a 180-degree spin as soldiers prepared themselves for the appearance board. The air was thick with tension as three sergeants major asked their questions. The competitors reported one at a time and sounded off with voices determined to win.
“Anyone who walks away from this competition has a greater sense of who they are just because they’ve had to dig deep for the entire competition,” said Sgt. William “Mike” O’Brien, a combat correspondent from Pittsburgh, Pa., with the 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment based in Coraopolis, Pa. “They have a greater respect for their fellow soldier and the Army in general.”
As the sun rose for the third day, the competitors’ fitness was put to the test once more as they embarked on a seven-mile road march with no less than 35 pounds on their backs. But this was the Best Warrior Competition, and a simple walking pace was not enough.
Three of the competitors ran much of the seven miles.
“I was always competitive with the boys since I was a child,” said Sgt. Viktoriya Varpakhovich, a human resources specialist with the 408th. “As a female, you get underestimated. It’s nice when you prove them wrong.”
Finally, Sunday arrived. After grueling physical trials, intensive knowledge evaluations and sharp presentations before the board, the results were in.
In the junior enlisted division, Zhao achieved first place.
“It’s an honor to represent my company,” said Zhao, a native of Queens, N.Y. “It’s a good experience for me. I can go back to my unit and teach others what I’ve learned.”
In the non-commissioned officer division, Llewellyn achieved first place.
“I made it up to the Corps level in 2010, but injury caused me to fall from first to third at the very end, so I feel like this is my redemption,” said Llewellyn, a native of Cumberland, Md. “I believe all soldiers should take the opportunity to participate at least one time in the Best Warrior Competition. It’s absolutely excellent.”
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.29.2012 09:58 |
| Story ID: | 84480 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 271 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Warriors compete to be the best in brigade, by SSG Michael Crawford, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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