New Soldier of Quarter Format challenges Soldiers mentally and physically

HI, UNITED STATES

06.21.2016

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – On 21 June 2016, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, held its first Soldier/Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter Board that included a new testing format made up of physical events and Soldier level one skills tasks.
Five NCOs and five Soldiers started the competition with a tiring three minutes of maximum push-ups and sit-ups, followed by a three and a half mile run, and concluded with a six-mile road march.
“The ruck right after the three and a half mile run was really taxing,” said Sgt. Daniel Craig, a team leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment Battalion, 2nd IBCT.
Immediately following the road march, the Warrior Brigade Soldiers proceeded to the skills lanes in which they were tested on their weapons, medical, land navigation, and communication knowledge.
In the old Soldier of the quarter board format, Soldiers would have to know the knowledge; however, the new format required Soldiers to apply their knowledge.
“I changed the format to create more of a competitive atmosphere and to send a message that the winner is more than just a knowledgeable Soldier, the winner is a well-rounded Soldier proficient in their Warrior Tasks, Physically Ready, and Technically Sound,” said Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland, the senior enlisted advisor for 2nd IBCT. “Also, the winner has a chance to win the Division NCO/Soldier of the Quarter Board and potentially compete in the yearly competition that has the physical assessment, Warrior Tasks, marksmanship, and the knowledge board. This is my way in identifying and preparing our Soldiers to excel at the annual competition.”
Due to the physical events prior to the skill level tasks lane, the Soldiers were struggling to concentrate. With the day half-way complete, the Soldiers were given little time to switch fears and prepare for the formal portion of the board.
“I was almost falling asleep because I was exhausted,” said Craig. “It makes you work really hard to maintain what you easily walk in there and do on a normal day. It makes it that much harder.”
The new arrangement for the competition shows what Soldiers and NCOs know and it demonstrates that they are capable and competent leaders to their formations.
“I want to set myself apart from my peers,” stated Sgt. Roger DeLaGarza, issue section NCO for 225th Brigade Support Battalion Service Supply Activity. “I wanted to challenge myself and see how much I know. I like setting the bar high.”
The change in format for the Soldier and NCO of the quarter is an important one. Demonstrating a variety of skills is particularly critical, as the Army requires Soldiers to be agile and adaptive.
“The Brigade Leader Development Program is my inherent responsibility as the brigade’s Command Sergeant Major and Excellence Competitions is an informal leader development to as part of group leader development,” said Holland. “The SOQ has to remain relevant because it is a low cost, high reward tool to develop Soldiers from every Career Management Field (CMF) unilaterally in one short duration training period. The Army has given us this great program and, as stewards of the profession, we must maximize every opportunity to develop our subordinates. NCOs are value added when they are relevant.”
The competition was close, with the scores of the winners pulling ahead but only three points at most. However, 1-27 Infantry Battalion lead the way with both their Soldier, Spc. Eric M. Wilkins, and NCO, Sgt. Carlos M. Techera, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, winning the competition.

• Date Taken: 06.21.2016
• Date Posted: 06.30.2016 19:42
• Story ID: 202944
• Location: HI, US