Soldiers Tested Physically and Mentally at Fort Devens Best Warrior Competition

FORT DEVENS, MA, UNITED STATES

04.03.2017

Courtesy Story

362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers competed in the Army Physical Fitness Test in the morning, and shifted to a series of mental tests in the afternoon.
The Soldiers taking the APFT completed as many pushups and situps in a two-minute span, before finishing the APFT with a two-mile run, not only competing against each other, but against themselves for the highest score possible.
Sergeant Curtis Presley of the 380th Army Band, a Durham, North Carolina native, cited a few reasons for deciding to compete.
“It was the spirit of competition,” said Presley. “I wanted to push myself and I think this will be a good way.”
Another Soldier, Sgt. First Class Jorge Gonzalez, from 3rd Brigade, 94th Division, 80th Training Command stationed at Fort Devens, cited camaraderie as his reason for competing.
“One team, one fight,” said Gonzalez, an Oklahoma City native. “This is an experience I can share with my team.”
In the afternoon, competitors had to display their knowledge of basic warrior skills, awareness of current events, as well as their knowledge the Soldier’s or Noncommissioned Officer’s Creed under the pressure of a physical appearance in full dress uniform in front of the Sergeant’s Major Board. Additionally, completing an essay and 100-question written exam tested Soldiers’ mental resiliency.
Specialist Aaron Chavers, a guitar player with the 198th Army Band admitted he wasn’t completely comfortable at first, but felt prepared in front of the Sergeants Major Board.
“My sponsor quizzed me often and that helped me a lot today,” said Chavers. “There were no unexpected questions – I think I did well.”
The Soldiers, with three events behind them, haven’t been given the upcoming schedule; nor will they be aware of the standings until the competition is over.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2017
• Date Posted: 04.03.2017 18:23
• Story ID: 229032
• Location: FORT DEVENS, MA, US