Photo By Sgt. Jeff Ledesma | An Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldier fires two rounds into a target during a...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — Despite the harsh heat intensifying with each passing second, Soldiers pushed their personal limitations during a Special Forces Challenge that took place on a guarded military compound located in the Iraqi capital on June 2.
Four Iraqi Special Operations Forces and one American team, consisting of five Soldiers each, competed in the rigorous competition that tested the competitors' physical endurance and mental fortitude.
The U.S. team made up of Soldiers from a forward logistical element stationed out of Fort Bragg, N.C., competed side-by-side with teams from the ISOF Brigade.
Some people in the audience had their favorites and the Iraqi Counterterrorism Force's senior enlisted Soldier was no exception.
"I am here to show support for my Soldiers," said the command sergeant major. "We pick the best of the best Soldiers to compete and this is an opportunity to see how capable they are."
He explained that no special training took place to prepare for this competition. However, the command sergeant major stated his Soldiers are always training, which results in them always being ready.
Although he was there for the ICTF team, the majority of the attendees were Soldiers currently assigned to Special Operations Task Force — Central supporting their five comrades wearing the Army Combat Uniform.
It's Game Time
With a show of support in the crowd for each of the teams, the competition began with a physical fitness assessment igniting the friendly rivalry amongst the teams. It required the Soldiers to do as many push-ups and sit-ups in a one minute period.
The U.S. team took the early lead by performing a higher average of push-ups and sit-ups than their Iraqi counterparts.
After the Soldiers' level of fitness was measured, one by one, each team was pulled into a dimly lit room and drilled on their first aid knowledge. A panel of three members asked five medical questions pertaining to life-saving techniques used on the battlefield.
Following the short escape from the summer sun, Soldiers prepared themselves to run through the timed obstacle course - donning their gear and loading 10 rounds into their magazines.
The ISOF command sergeant major and person-in-charge of the event said the ICTF and American teams were neck and neck at this point in the competition.
"For the Iraqis it is to say that they beat us and for us it is to say that we beat them," said Sgt. Brandon Thompson from Detroit when asked about what will motivate the Soldiers to push beyond their limits.
Time to Turn up the Heat
With the temperature reaching more than 110 degrees, each team lined up.
A stopwatch was started and they were off.
Soldiers sprinted down a straightaway, about a quarter of a mile long, in full battle gear with beads of sweat turning into constant streams of perspiration.
Just as they finished their sprint, the teams arrived at the vehicle-push portion of the course.
A member of the American team Sgt. Rene Herrera said the hardest part of the course, by far, was pushing the vehicle.
"Pushing a van another quarter mile after sprinting definitely takes a lot out of you," said the chemical operations specialist and San Antonio native.
As soon as the teams rolled the vehicle to its end point, it was time to shoot while still in motion. Each competitor put two rounds through black silhouettes pre-positioned on a local range.
The Iraqi teams, who had home-court advantage, proved to be masters in marksmanship moving quickly and executing with pin-point precision.
Forming a simulated rifle with his hands, a Soldier in the audience said he was not surprised by his Iraqi counterparts' excellent showing on the range.
"This is what they do," he said to other spectators. "They train for this everyday."
On the other hand, the Americans were able to hit the targets just as accurately.
As each team completed the physically demanding course, they collapsed in exhaustion underneath the still raging sun.
"The litter run was a lot harder than it looked," said Capt. Michael Zdrojesky. "The vehicle push took a lot of energy out of the group, which showed during the litter run."
Herrera, 27, said the motto 'never quit' echoed in his head throughout the competition, pushing him through each obstacle.
The American team finished the event in 8 minutes and 48 seconds.
"I don't think I'll be doing this again," Herrera admitted. "Well, unless it's earlier in the morning."
After the competition, Zdrojesky recalled a handful of Iraqis thanking the U.S. team for coming out there because it provided that extra drive.
"We brought their motivation level up another notch," he explained.
And the Winner is...
Before the winners were announced, the ISOF deputy commander said, "It doesn't matter who wins and who loses because what really matters is you gave it a shot [and] gave it your best effort."
"It's not about winning. It's about the pursuit," he continued in his speech. "I hope you enjoyed the challenge."
Although each team gave their all, only one team could walk away the winner. After all the points were calculated, the Soldiers of the ICTF claimed victory over the American team by the narrowest of margins.
"We feel we should have won, but second is what we got and we'll take it," Herrera said with a hint of humility.
Thompson, a 28-year-old who rooted for his American brothers-in-arms, said it was important for the U.S. Soldiers to be a part of this competition because it shows that they whole-heartedly believe in what the ISOF is doing here and it expresses their continued support.
Although he wishes his team claimed the top seat, a gracious Herrera explained the experience was worthwhile because the spirit of competition helped strengthen the sense of camaraderie and friendship the American and Iraqi Soldiers share.
"This was a great competition to do with the Iraqis because of the great camaraderie that it builds with one another," Zdrojesky said in agreement.
"I was glad to see ICTF win and cannot wait for a rematch," he said with hopes of redemption.
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2009 11:51 |
| Story ID: | 34969 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 610 |
| Downloads: | 340 |
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