Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Northcutt | 1st Lt. Zachary Bregovi (left warrior), assigned to 18th Military Police Brigade, Sgt....... read more read more
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BAUMHOLDER, Germany - Soldiers, warriors, or leaders -- they go by many names but three were named best warrior.
After five days, 20 events, zero-dark thirty wake-ups, and long nights, 19 competitors from six different units competed in the 2018 21st Theater Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition in Baumholder, culminating in an award ceremony, July 12.
“Competitors started off with a height and weight, physical fitness assessment, and inventoried their gear,’” said Command Sgt. Maj. Rocky Carr, 21st Theater Sustainment Command senior enlisted non-commissioned officer. “They then had some warrior task and battle drill themed events to test their overall preparedness and physical challenges added to test their endurance.”
It’s not just about Army boards anymore, Carr said. The Army realized years ago that it needs to recognize the best warriors in its formations through competition.
Winner for the officer category was 1st Lt. Zachary Bregovi, assigned to 18th Military Police Brigade.
Winner for the category of non-commissioned officer was Sgt. Nelson Goehle, assigned to 18th Military Police Brigade.
Winner for the category of junior enlisted Soldier was Spc. Ibrahim Saiyabou, assigned to 16th Sustainment Brigade.
During the competition, Soldiers were tested on endurance, resourcefulness, problem-solving capabilities, and basic Soldier skills. Along with tasks a Soldier normally must complete, the competitors encountered push-ups, burpees, water jug carries, tire flips, and sprints.
“It’s a unique opportunity to train on tasks that I wouldn’t normally get to on a day to day basis as an officer,” said Bregovi. “I really enjoyed working with our NATO allies and partner forces throughout this event.”
“The whole competition was pretty rigorous,” said Goehle. “For me, the situational exercise lanes were the toughest. There was a lot of weight we had to carry and use of our protective masks during the exercise.”
Physical stress was introduced into each event in unique ways for each task the competitors had to complete. Competitors were wearing their body armor, weapon, ruck, helmet, and protective mask at times throughout the exercises.
“It made you question yourself at times, like can I really do this?” said Goehle. “But you just push through it all and find that intestinal fortitude to continue.”
“It was a reality check,” said Saiyabou. “You had to stop and think during the events because your heart rate is going, and you have to react.”
Even though the events were tough, and the days were long, the competitors still had fun while challenging themselves.
“Go for it,” said Bregovi. “I would encourage all officers to participate in events like the Best Warrior. It sets a good example for your soldiers and offers the chance to hone your skills as an officer.”
“I think it’s great to train on all these different warrior tasks and battle drills,” said Goehle. “But more importantly, I get to take what I have learned this week back home with me to my unit.”
“The M9 stress shoot was my favorite event,” said Saiyabou. “We had to do a lot of push-ups, burpees, and got to shoot while wearing our protective mask.”
Carr thanked each of the competitors for coming out challenging themselves, getting out of their comfort zones, and honing their skills as Soldiers. He went on to remind all the competitors that by participating in competitions like this they are an embodiment of the Warrior Ethos.
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2018 06:45 |
| Story ID: | 284364 |
| Location: | BAUMHOLDER, DE |
| Web Views: | 757 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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