Driven soldiers roll out at Driver’s Rodeo

Photo By Staff Sgt. Francis Horton | Spc. Angel Silva, Humvee driver, 377th Transportation Detachment, guides his partner, Pfc. Sam Evans, Humvee driver, 377th Trans. Det., backward through the serpentine course of the Driver’s Rodeo in Weldon Spring, Mo. In this event, soldiers had six minutes to drive forward and backward around barrels without hitting them or going out of bounds. Soldiers of the 620th CSSB took part in a Driver’s Rodeo Sept. 16 to showcase their skills and abilities behind the wheels of Humvees and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Francis Horton, 363rd Public Affairs Detachment)  

WELDON SPRING, MO, UNITED STATES

09.16.2012

Story by Sgt. Francis Horton 

363rd Public Affairs Detachment

WELDON SPRING, Mo. – Soldiers of the 620th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion put their driving skills to the test Sept. 16 in a Driver’s Rodeo obstacle course at Weldon Spring, Mo.

The purpose of the rodeo was to test the soldiers’ handling of military vehicles through different obstacles.

“It gives us a chance to see how sharp drivers are with their skills,” said Sgt. 1st Class Francesco Silvestri, operations noncommissioned officer-in-charge, 620th CSSB and NCOIC of the rodeo. Soldiers competed driving unarmored humvees and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles.

The challenges of the course included driving vehicles forward and backward between barrels and traffic cones without hitting any, driving through a lane which progressively narrowed and reversing in a straight line with a trailer attached.

For the competition, soldiers began with 100 points which were deducted based on their performance in each event. Some events required Soldiers to avoid hitting cones while another required stopping the front of a moving vehicle as close to a finishing line as possible without going over it. Every event was also subject to a time limit.

Soldiers participating in the rodeo saw the event as a good chance to get out of the office and get some hands-on training in the field.

“Soldiers need to be aware of their vehicles and their limitations,” said Master Sgt. Charles Lee, 620th CSSB support operations NCOIC and safety NCO of the rodeo.

“It really builds unit cohesion,” said Spc. Charles Hensley, mechanic, 245th Support Maintenance Company. “It’s friendly competition and training.”

“It’s good motivation to make it a competition,” said Lt. Col. Sean Campion, commander, 620th CSSB.

This is the second year the 620th CSSB has hosted a Driver’s Rodeo. Last year, the winning team of two soldiers were awarded Army Achievement Medals. This year, command plans to reward the winners again.

“It’s good for the morale of the soldiers,” said Lee. “Every soldier trains for the chance to be tested.”

• Date Taken: 09.16.2012
• Date Posted: 10.17.2012 16:43
• Story ID: 96335
• Location: WELDON SPRING, MO, US