BWC

Photo By Sgt. Adam Parent | U.S. Army Spc. Julio Tepehua-Tello, a culinary specialist assigned to the 665th Engineer Utilities Detachment, U.S. Army Central, surfaces to breathe during the 100-meter swim event of USARCENT's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, June 28, 2018. Events like the 100-meter swim are a valuable training opportunity for Soldiers to experience challenges outside of what they normally face. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Adam Parent)  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

06.29.2018

Story by Sgt. Fatima Konteh 

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARFIJAN, Kuwait – U.S. Army Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Central area of responsibility, begin the 2018 Best Warrior Competition events, June 28, 2018, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

The Best Warrior Competition promotes morale and cohesion among Soldiers and reinforces the importance of individual excellence.

Day one included the Army Physical Fitness Test, 100-meter swim, five lanes of warrior skills testing, and a 6-mile ruck march.

“I was the only Soldier chosen from my section to go,” said U.S. Army Spc. Janae Sparks, Military Police Patrolman with the 202nd Military Police Company. “I was excited and it motivated me to make myself and my unit proud.”

“Competitions like this include the physical aspect, mental part of it, and the hands-on portion, so overall I think it’s a great event for Soldiers to maintain their combat readiness,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. James B. Kerney IV with the 202nd Military Police Company.

Kerney was in attendance at the Best Warrior Competition sponsoring four of his junior Soldiers.

“It’s my honor to be out here and support my Soldiers each and every day,” said Kerney. “As their first sergeant, I am obligated to represent unity and camaraderie within our ranks.”

Kerney also added, “this is what we teach as senior NCOs, to support one another and our leaders.”

Conducting four events in a short period of time required many dedicated NCOs and leadership to ensure the competition ran smoothly. U.S. Army National Guardsman Sgt. Ebony Hobson, a cybersecurity non-commissioned officers in charge, attached to the 151st Regional Support Group, eagerly volunteered to support the competition held at Camp Arifjan.

“Personally I love it,” said Hobson, “to know that I can contribute to the competition and make sure that the events are graded just and fair,”
Day one concluded with a 6-mile road march while carrying a 35-pound rucksack to test endurance and mental strength.

U.S. Army National Guardsman Sgt. Zachary Green, an intelligence analyst with the 38th Sustainment Brigade, came in first place with an exceptional time of 1 hour, 1 minute, 8 seconds.

This event puts Soldiers in competition with each other based on those three things: [lethality, combat readiness, and capability] said Green. You have to be combat ready and physically fit to do all of these things.

The Best Warrior Competition will run from June 28th to June 30th at Camps Arifjan and Buehring, Kuwait.

The winners will move on to represent USARCENT at the Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.

• Date Taken: 06.29.2018
• Date Posted: 06.29.2018 11:10
• Story ID: 282775
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW
• Hometown: FLETCHER, OH, US
• Hometown: NEW ALBANY, OH, US