Guardian Challenge Builds Cohesion, Tests Skills

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Shelman Spencer | Spc. Victoria Lowery stands on her husband’s shoulder, Spc. Chad Lowery, to climb over a wall obsticle during the confidence course at the first Guardian Challenge at Camp Bullis Dec. 9. Both are assigned toHeadquarters Support Company, Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). The competition was designed to build unit cohesion and esprit de corps. Twelve two-person teams put their skills to the test as they moved to each event on foot carrying a 30-pound rucksack. The teams competed in a modified Army Physical Fitness Test, confidence course, weapons qualification range – firing both M9 pistol and M16 rifle, and two medical tasks.  

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES

12.09.2016

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Shelman Spencer 

U.S. Army North

CAMP BULLIS, TEXAS - Soldiers assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), Fort Sam Houston, competed in the first Guardian Challenge at Camp Bullis on Dec. 9.

Twelve two-person teams put their skills to the test as they moved to each event on foot carrying a 30-pound rucksack. The teams competed in a modified Army Physical Fitness
Test, confidence course, weapons qualification range – firing both M9 pistol and M16 rifle, and two medical tasks.

The morning started with a modified APFT. Pushup and sit up events were extended to four minutes while allowing team members to alternate back and forth until time concluded. During the two-mile run, each team faced disqualification if they were more than five meters from their partner.

“It’s a pretty fun competition - we set the pace for the PT run,” said Pfc. Jasun D. Nava, assigned the Military Funeral Honors Platoon, Headquarters Support Company, HHBN, Army North.

“We knew the competition would be tough and challenging, but it’s worth the little bit of pain,” said Pvt. 2 Michael A. German, also assigned the Military Funeral Honors Platoon, Headquarters Support Company.

Once complete with the fitness test, teams were free to choose which events they wanted to move to next. Some teams felt it was better to move out to the firing range before returning to the confidence course, other teams did the opposite.

Spc. Chad Lowery and Spc. Victoria Lowery, assigned to HSC, HHBN, Army North, competed in the event as a husband and wife team.

“It tested our patience with each other, the events weren’t bad - they were fun,” said Chad.

“I found the confidence course the most challenging,” said Spc. Victoria Lowery.

“I think it was pretty cool that she was the only female out here,” said Chad. “She just had our baby back in April.”

“It’s hard emotionally, because you want to be as good as them [the men],” Victoria said. “But obviously they are a bit more physically fit than me.”

“We were happy again after we finished rucking,” Chad said. “I think the rucking and just being with each other made everything better.”

The overall objective of the challenge was to build unit cohesion and esprit de corps. The top three teams received trophies, the first place team was also presented with The Army Achievement Medal and a four-day pass

“For this to be the first Guardian Challenge and pulling it together it was pretty good. I had a good time doing it,” said Staff. Sgt. Jody T. McIlroy, G2 section, HSC, HHBN, Army North.

“I think it’s a great way to build team comradery and get people out, get them active, get them doing things together – it’s not often we do things like this,” said Staff Sgt. Christian T. Hubbell, G2 section, HSC, HHBN, Army North.

McIlroy and Hubbell were the first place victors of the competition and look to defend their title in the next Guardian Challenge.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2016
• Date Posted: 12.14.2016 13:14
• Story ID: 217566
• Location: FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, US