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    316th ESC 2015 Best Warrior Competition

    316th ESC2015 Best Warrior Competition

    Photo By D. Keith Johnson | Competitors at the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition...... read more read more

    CAMP DAWSON, WV, UNITED STATES

    03.22.2015

    Story by Master Sgt. D. Keith Johnson 

    316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

    CAMP DAWSON, W.V. – They came from near and far as Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from throughout the U.S. Army Reserve’s 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) competed in the Best Warrior Competition held here March 20-22, 2015. Three Soldiers and two NCOs came from as close as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and as far away as Liberia and Uzbekistan.

    The three day competition started with the Army Physical Fitness Test, an Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment showdown inspection and a board interview. It was early start on Saturday with drawing weapons from the arms room, then a written essay, followed by a Mystery Event: a written test on land navigation. The firing range was next for zeroing and qualification with the M16A2 Rifle, and Army Warrior Tasks. After an MRE lunch, a three-hour Land Navigation course was completed, followed by a second Mystery Event consisting of an Army Service Uniform inspection in which the competitors had to find the deficiencies. Sunday’s activities included a 10-kilometer ruck march with full battle-rattle, weapon and 35 pound rucksack.

    “I can see that the Soldiers really enjoy this type of training and I believe it will make great warriors and leaders out of them,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny McPeek, the 316th ESC’s command sgt. major.

    Most of the Soldiers felt the competition was a learning experience, and a challenge.

    “Basically, it’s working on skills that will make me a well rounded Soldier,” said Sgt. Donna Grady. “ I learned what my strengths and weaknesses are. I can go back and improve on my weaknesses and maintain my strengths, but ultimately trickle what I learned down to my Soldiers.”

    Grady, from Pittsburgh,a member of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 316th ESC, won the NCO category and will proceed to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition.

    “Any competition breeds better Soldiers and brings out the best results;” said Pvt. First Class Ilya Avdeyenkov. “You get to challenge yourself against competitors that push you to do a little better than training.”

    Avdeyenkov, originally from Uzbekistan and now living in West Haven, Conn., is a member of the 304th Quartermaster Company, based in West Hartford, Conn. He won the Soldier category and will proceed to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition.

    McPeek was a little disappointed about the number of participants and has plans to increase the numbers next year.
    “I am a little discouraged because we didn’t have more Soldiers than we did for a command that is 7,500 Soldiers strong. My plan next year is to consolidate and have battalion Best Warrior Competitions and pull from those for the 316th Best Warrior. I’m hoping to get 35-40 Soldiers next year to make it a great competition.”

    This year’s competitors have some advice for next year’s competitors.
    “Work hard, stay motivated and be confident,” said Spc. Brandon Henry. Henry, from Slippery Rock, Pa., is a member of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 316th ESC, based in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

    “Pay attention to details and starting preparing yourself months before the events,” said Spc. Emmanuel Frank, originally from Liberia and now living in Staten Island, New York is a member of the 1019 Quartermaster Company, also in Staten Island.

    Sgt. Jonathon Laird suggests to just go for it. “Courage up and step out and try it!” Laird, from Batavia, New York, is a member of the 277th Quartermaster Company, based in Niagara Falls, New York.

    McPeek thinks it doesn’t end with the completion of the competition.

    “I believe if we do more training like we do here at the Best Warrior Competition, the warriors and the leaders will be stronger, and they’ll be better leaders in our future for us, whenever the senior Soldiers leave.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.22.2015
    Date Posted: 03.29.2015 00:41
    Story ID: 158489
    Location: CAMP DAWSON, WV, US

    Web Views: 378
    Downloads: 0

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