Thunderbolt Leaders tackle Mungadai with resiliency, teamwork

Photo By Capt. Peter Mrvos | Lt. Col. Mike Labrecque (3rd from left), the commander of the 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, and his team row to shore after completing the Helocast portion of a Mungadai July 22, 2016 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Mungadai tested Thunderbolt leaders during 17 events spread across 11 hours of competition. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Pete Mrvos, 17th Field Artillery Brigade Public Affairs)  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

07.22.2016

Story by Capt. Peter Mrvos 

17th Field Artillery Brigade

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. – For more than 11 hours, leaders of the 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Brigade found themselves faced with daunting physical and mental tests before jumping out of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter July 22 during a Mungadai here.

The Mungadai draws its name from some of Genghis Khan’s most elite soldiers and evolved to give modern-day warriors a chance to build resiliency and develop agile and adaptive leaders.

“I wanted to go out and challenge our leaders mentally and physically, test their resolve and, most importantly, give them the opportunity to show themselves they have what it takes. The events weren’t easy and they certainly rose to the challenge,” said Lt. Col. Mike LaBrecque, the commander of the 308th BSB.

The 17 stations of LaBrecque’s leader development event included a 12-mile ruck, medical skills tests, a combat-style stress shoot, a confidence obstacle course and, most dauntingly, a 10-foot helocast from a Chinook into American Lake.

“What a great day for the leaders of the 308th BSB! Everyone performed exceptionally well and I feel honored to be surrounded by Soldiers who are willing to face pain, their fears and adversity with tenacity and courage,” said 1st Sgt. Douglas Wilderman, the first sergeant of the 256th Signal Company, 308th BSB and native of Taylor, Michigan.

The helocast was the highlight of the event for the family and friends who turned out to watch the action from dry land a half-mile away.

“It was one of the most exciting things I have done so far in the Army. Looking out the back of the bird, seeing the distance between us and the water and realizing that I was about to jump was incredible. At the time, I could barely believe it was actually happening,” said 1st Lt. Paul Kim, an operations officer with the 308th BSB and graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara.

LaBrecque said this event has helped to build a team of warriors and prepare them for the challenges that lay ahead in their careers.

“We are working as part of larger efforts inside the 17th FAB and 7th Infantry Division to develop confident, competent and engaged leaders who internalize the Army profession and are able to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield,” said LaBrecque.

While the spectators came for the helocast, the leaders of the 308th found the day was more than an adrenaline rush brought on by free-fall. With more than 22 years in the Army, this is not the first time Wilderman has found himself jumping from a helicopter.

“I believe the shared hardship makes you want to be better for your fellow Soldiers and always be more concerned about the person next you than you are about yourself. This really brings on a sense of selfless service, a love for your fellow Soldiers and the drive to do your very best.”

• Date Taken: 07.22.2016
• Date Posted: 07.25.2016 19:56
• Story ID: 205009
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US