STC Soldiers compete in brigade's Best Warrior Competition

Photo By Sgt. Benjamin Fair | Sgt. Anthony Hitchens, a unit supply sergeant in the 147th Regional Training Institute, fires an M4 rifle during the Individual Weapons Qualification portion of the Special Troops Command (STC) Best Warrior Competition at Camp Sherman Joint Training Center in Chillicothe, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2019. The competition starts early in the morning and continues through the day with events like drill and ceremony, physical fitness test, land navigation, tactical road march, and Engagement Skills Trainer. (Photo by Sgt. Benjamin Fair, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

CHILLICOTHE, OH, UNITED STATES

11.05.2019

Story by Sgt. Brett Oxley 

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers of the Ohio National Guard’s Special Troops Command (STC) qualified on their M9 pistols on a frosty Saturday morning during the brigade’s Best Warrior Competition (BWC). This was just one event of many that the Soldiers needed to complete to earn the chance to participate in the state competition. Throughout the weekend they engaged in numerous events that will test their physical and mental strength.
Nine Soldiers from the STC competed for three days at the Camp Sherman Joint Training Center in Chillicothe, Ohio, Nov. 1-3, 2019. The BWC assesses individual readiness and improves overall unit cohesion.
“The event builds up a lot of camaraderie and competition between the Soldiers,” said Staff Sergeant James Taylor, a cadre member for the BWC.
The competition increases morale for Soldiers and their unit sponsors. Being pushed to their physical limits allows Soldiers to challenge themselves and each other.
“I have a lot of confidence in Sgt. Supinger,” said Staff Sgt. Arleigh Wiler, a musician with the 122nd Army Band and the sponsor of Sgt. Ariel Supinger, also a musician from the 122nd and the sole female participant. “I’m really glad that we’re doing this. It’s inspiring me to maybe be able to do this next year and actually compete. Maybe she can sponsor me, that’ll be great. I think Sgt. Supinger is representing really well right now.”
Supinger has been preparing for the competition since May, rucking, running, and weightlifting.
“I’m having a good time so far,” Supinger said. “The stress shoot actually looks pretty fun, and there’s sunshine. I’m happy for that.”
Soldiers must maintain mental toughness and physical ability throughout the competition. Each Soldier is graded on individual warrior tasks and battle drills, physical fitness, and self-sufficiency.
Taylor said the intent of the event is to help them progress in their own careers and to challenge themselves and others.
Spc. Todd Scarberry, a human resources specialist for Joint Force Headquarters, won the STC Soldier of the Year, and Sgt. William Clark, a range operations noncommissioned officer (NCO) for the Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, won the STC NCO of the Year.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2019
• Date Posted: 11.05.2019 14:34
• Story ID: 350552
• Location: CHILLICOTHE, OH, US