Officers show grit during Operation True Edge

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jared Crain | An officer with the 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, gives it his all while flipping a tire during Operation True Edge on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait Oct. 17. The operation was a three-part competition that allowed the Soldier-Athletes to showcase their stamina and abilities during a day filled with mental and physical challenges. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Crain, USARCENT Public Affairs)  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

10.17.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Jared Crain 

U.S. Army Central   

By Staff Sgt. Jared Crain
USARCENT Public Affairs

Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait – Officers from the 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment put themselves to the test during Operation True Edge here Oct. 17.
The operation was a three-part competition that gave Soldier-Athletes a chance showcase their stamina and abilities during a day filled with mental and physical challenges.

“It was all about leader certification and leader development. These young officers need things to challenge and develop them,” said Lt. Col. Todd Schmidt, commander of 4-3 ADA.

First on the agenda was an Army physical fitness test. The Soldiers then began to navigate their way through the dense fog that had settled down on the camp to reach the first of five checkpoints of an urban land navigation course.

Upon arriving to the checkpoints the officers were faced with a variety of challenges, like evaluating a casualty and a modified Marine Combat Fitness Test. They had to successfully complete these challenges before receiving gird coordinates to the next checkpoint.

The competition ended with panel of board members who tested the competitors on their military and specialty knowledge, as well as Soldier and leader skills.

“I wanted to put them through the same challenges their Soldiers go through, so they can have a understanding of some of the stresses and strains their Soldiers experience,” said Schmidt.

First Lt. Clint Gulley, a tactical control officer with 4-3 ADA beat out his competition and was pronounced the winner.

“I feel really good about winning the competition and that all the competitors gave it they’re all,” said Gulley. “Everyone who competed today is a winner.”
“They all came out ahead and they learned what their weakness and strengths are,” said Schmidt.

• Date Taken: 10.17.2015
• Date Posted: 10.30.2015 05:14
• Story ID: 180403
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW