M.I. Soldiers define what they do in rare competition

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kris Wright | ZAGAN – Poland. Military Intelligence Soldiers from the winning team of the best intel competition receive Army Achievement Medals from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team intelligence officer Major Christopher Collins. The event took place in Zagan, Poland, June 12, 2019.  

POLAND

06.12.2019

Story by Sgt. Kris Wright 

358th Public Affairs Detachment

ZAGAN – Poland. Military Intelligence Soldiers assigned to the various Battalions in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, assemble to compete in a Best Warrior style competition in Zagan, Poland, June 12, 2019.

The competition, defined as a Best Intelligence Competition, is a three-part, team orientated challenge designed to test Soldier skills and build camaraderie for those specializing in military intelligence. To improve their performance in a combat environment, these Soldiers were provided the opportunity to participate in “Operation Rescorla,” an all-day MI challenge whose name was inspired by Army veteran and 9/11 hero, Richard Rescorla.

The genesis of this event goes back to the arrival of the new Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Jackson. After assuming his new role, he proposed that the Brigade intelligence section create a competition for their MI personnel; His intention was to create a challenge to MI Soldiers that would enhance their job skills.

“This is the first time I’ve ever done a military intelligence event like this,” Said Maj. Christopher Collins, brigade S2 intelligence officer, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div. “This is something Command Sgt. Maj. Jackson recommended that we do. A lot of people have said they have never seen nor heard of an event like this. So, it’s great that we can create an opportunity that gives MI Soldiers training that increases confidence in their job.”

To build their confidence, the Brigade S2 section created a competition built from three events, land navigation, a six station round-robin, and an IPB - Intelligence Preparation Briefing. The land navigation and six station portion of the competition, which consisted of tasks such as weapons proficiency, vehicle preventative maintenance and services and first aid, were designed to test basic Soldier skills. The IPB tested their specific job-related skills.

“The bread and butter in this competition is the IPB portion,” Said Maj. Collins. “In a real-world scenario, the MI Soldier must provide the Commander with an assessment of the kind of enemy they are going to face, weapons systems they will use, etc. It’s defining the operational environment to the Commander. So, this portion of the competition is where we have put most of the emphasis, and most of the points.”

Competing for points were six teams composed of ten Soldiers from the various units around the Brigade. This event gave them the opportunity for them to get to know each other.

“These Soldiers have come from units like the 1- 4 Cavalry Regiment and Delta Company, 1st Engineer Battalion,” said Maj. Collins. “A lot of the team members don’t get a lot of interaction together since they are spread all over Europe. So, doing this event brings them together. This way it builds the camaraderie. The advantages here are that they get to know the other MI Soldiers in the Brigade, and then they have the opportunity to train each other in their job skills as well.”

• Date Taken: 06.12.2019
• Date Posted: 06.19.2019 14:20
• Story ID: 328337
• Location: PL