Courtesy Photo | Brig. Gen. Mark Corson, right, commanding general of the 103rd Sustainment Command...... read more read more
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By Spc. Monte Swift
203rd Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP DODGE, Iowa - The motivation of nine soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) was more than enough to fight through chilling winds, blowing snow, rain, mud, blisters and bruises during the 103rd ESC Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Dodge, Iowa, March 1-4.
Like soldiers on a battle field, obstinate in a course of action, the competitors pushed themselves and each other to the limit throughout the 10-event, four-day competition.
Though all soldiers competing in the event did so for different reasons, their goals remained simple and the same: do their best, represent their unit and win. The competition represented the second stage of the Army Reserve-wide competition.
“This is a great chance to see what you are capable of doing. You just keep pushing yourself until you can’t go any further, said Staff Sgt. Chris Tubrick, 443rd Transportation Company, who was the first non-commissioned officer to complete the 10-kilometer ruck march. “My mentality is to just block everything else out and keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
Due to weather conditions, the ruck march was considered by many the most grueling event of the competition, however other events, such as Army Warrior Tasks lanes and land navigation, tested the competitors minds in the details of skill level one.
Each soldier was issued a unit sponsor before the competition, who served as mentor, adviser and aid to the competitors. Many competitors attributed their success and motivation in part to their sponsors, who did everything from helping them study through long-distance emails and phone calls, to picking up dry cleaning. Sponsors were able to take part in some events with their soldier, but were not allowed to help or touch them in any way.
The competition was divided into two categories: junior enlisted/soldier and NCO. However for some, the drive to be the best led to higher ambitions.
“When I arrived here, my mindset was that I’m not just going against the specialists, I am going against everyone, so that kept me going,” said Spc. Nathaniel Dewey, HHC, 103rd ESC. To prepare for the competition, Dewey worked out and even went running with his vest and pack.
As the long days of the competition went on, soldiers who had previously arrived as individuals found more motivation in each other, even helping those they were competing against.
“I didn’t know any of the other competitors before I got here, but over the past three or four days, we have got pretty close,” said Spc. Cory Schmitt, 445th Transportation Company. “We stick together, figure out what we need to do and help each other study. We are competing with each other, but we are still brothers.”
Still, the will to compete for the title “Best Warrior” was on everyone’s mind, and presented personal challenges to each Soldier.
“The most difficult part wasn't really any part of the competition, but dealing with yourself,” said Schmitt. “I know when I was on the qualification range I missed targets and was getting frustrated. I found that with a lot of events, and when that happens, you start failing. But I brought it back around, and started hitting every target. I took a deep breath, I relaxed, and bounced back up.”
Other events of the competition included a physical fitness test, combatives, a written exam, a grenade range mystery event, and a board. Many soldiers considered the board and day/night land navigation to be the most difficult events of the competition.
On the final day, awards were presented to Soldiers who competed in the event.
Moving on to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command level of the Best Warrior Competition for junior enlisted soldier and receiving the Army Commendation Medal was Spc. Austin Okorn, 842nd Quartermaster Company under the 89th Sustainment Brigade. Okorn, a college student and member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), says due to a busy schedule, study time for the first two levels was limited. “Now knowing its really getting serious and I am getting further than I had anticipated, I am definitely making sure that I devote a lot of time to preparing for the 377th competition and representing the 103rd the best I can,” he said.
Taking home the Best Warrior Non-Commissioned Officer title and the Army Commendation Medal was Sgt. Orval Emery, 89th Sustainment Brigade. “I am humbled and I am grateful. There were some really stellar soldiers out there, and it had to have been close,” said Emery. “Bringing this home to the 89th is great, but I am just the race car driver. You had a car, you had a mechanic and a driver. I couldn’t have done it without everyone else. My unit and sponsor was great at helping me prepare, sending me questions and helping me study.”
Certificates of Achievement were presented to Spc. Nathaniel Dewey, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Spc. Lance Korinko, 443rd Transportation Company, Spc. Cory Schmitt, 445th Transportation Company, Spc. Austin Okorn, 842nd Quartermaster Company, Sgt. Nathanial Durbala, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Sgt. Orval Emery 89th Signal Brigade, Sgt. Tyler Parrent, 203rd Transportation Company and Staff Sgt. Christopher Tubrick, 443rd Transportation Company.
Winners of the two classes will move on to represent the 103rd at the 377th Theater Sustainment Command’s Best Warrior Competition, before moving on to the final stage at the U.S. Army Reserve Command level.
| Date Taken: | 03.28.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2012 17:31 |
| Story ID: | 85916 |
| Location: | CAMP DODGE, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 318 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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