103rd Troop Command Best Warrior Competition 2020

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tinisha Mellein | Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers representing various units from 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 103rd Troop Command, unite to compete in the annual Best Warrior Competition at Wheeler Army Air Field, Wahiawa, Hawaii, Jan. 10-12, 2020. The three day competition challenged the Soldiers both physically and mentally with multiple events testing their knowledge and skills. The winners will move on to compete in the State competition to be held in March.  

WAHIAWA, HI, UNITED STATES

01.12.2020

Story by Sgt. Tinisha Mellein 

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

WAHIAWA, Hawaii - Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers representing various units from the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (29th IBCT) and 103rd Troop Command (103rd Trp Cmd), competed to be named the top Soldier and top Non-Commissioned Officer during the 2020 Best Warrior Competition, Wahiawa, Hawaii Jan. 10-12, 2020. The annual event is designed to test each Soldier’s mental and physical endurance.
“This is the first time the 29th IBCT and Troop Command have held a combined Best Warrior Competition,” said Sgt. Maj. Russell Wong, S3 Operations Sgt. Maj. for Troop Command and overall facilitator of the competition. “It made it really competitive, as well as provided an opportunity to create new bonds amongst Soldiers in the Hawaii Army National Guard.”
Soldiers endured a grueling three-day competition that included the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), an undisclosed distance run and ruck march, evaluation on various warrior tasks and battle drills, warfare simulation stress shoot, day and night land navigation and an appearance board where Command Sgt. Majs. tested their knowledge.
For many Soldiers, this was the first time they performed the ACFT which is the replacement for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The new events include three repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push-up, sprint drag carry, and leg tuck.
“The ACFT was a little rough,” said first-time competitor Spc. Jordan Esporlas, Combat Engineer with Alpha Co, 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “The sprint drag carry was probably the hardest event for me, but I think you just have to work out on your own time and be physically and mentally prepared.”
Another challenge for many Soldiers was the Command Sgt. Maj. appearance board where Soldiers were asked questions about military and current world events.
“The physical events are my strong points,” said Sgt. Haleigh Romero, Automated Logistics Specialist with Company B, 777 Aviation Support Battalion. “My most challenging event was the board. Because whatever I prepared for wasn’t exactly what was asked, but I just realize I need to be well-rounded with my knowledge base.”
Although the competition focuses on the individual ability of the Soldiers, both the Hawaii Army National Guard leadership and the competing Soldiers see a much greater benefit.
“This competition gives Soldiers an opportunity to broaden their horizons,” said Maj. Deanna Manriquez, Commander of 777 ASB. “It also gives them the opportunity to test themselves physically and mentally as well as test their resilience and build camaraderie between each of the units with their competitors and sponsors.
The Soldiers are not only competing to be the Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, but the winners will have earned the honor of representing their units at the state level competition to be held in March, with a potential to compete at the National level.
The Hawaii Army National Guard 2020 Best Warrior Competition winners for Troop Command were Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Sgt. Denny J. Ganob, 111th Army Band and Soldier of the Year: Spc. Kaulana K. Saltiban, 230th Engineer Company.

The Hawaii Army National Guard winners for 29th IBCT were Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Matthan T. Uelese, Battery A., 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, and Soldier of the Year: Spc. Jordan R. Esporlas, Company A., 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “These Soldiers competing today are the best and the brightest representing the Hawaii Army National Guard,” said Wong. “They set an example of what it means to be a Soldier for their peers and we will guide them and support them as they move forward to the next level of competition.”

• Date Taken: 01.12.2020
• Date Posted: 03.09.2020 23:35
• Story ID: 364708
• Location: WAHIAWA, HI, US