FORT BRAGG, N.C. Set against the challenging, high-tempo field conditions of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, military culinary specialists from 25th Quartermaster Company, 3rd Corps Sustainment Command, put their operational expertise and tactical discipline to the test, during the prestigious Philip A. Connelly Competition, August 25-26.
Designed to evaluate field-feeding operations across the Army, the competition challenges the culinary teams to deliver top-tier subsistence under rigorous tactical conditions. As the Army shifts towards the new Campus Style Dining Venues, there is an increased emphasis on field feeding and Army Culinary Food Specialists executing tactical field feeding operations.
From establishing a secure field footprint to final food service, teams are evaluated on strict criteria including food safety, sanitation, equipment maintenance, command support, and force protection.
Executing a flawless field kitchen in an operational environment requires far more than culinary skills; it demands master-level coordination and seamless teamwork across every tactical discipline.
"One of our biggest challenges was bringing together all the moving pieces required for a successful field-feeding operation from site setup and equipment to security, sanitation, food preparation, and service," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tashani Streeter, the food service advisor for 25th QM Co., 3rd CSC. "We overcame those challenges through continuous rehearsals, communication, teamwork, and support from other units. Every challenge became an opportunity for the Soldiers to adjust, solve problems, and continue the mission."
The intensive preparation phase pushed Soldiers to refine every aspect of their daily duties, turning standard operating procedures into second nature.
"I learned that preparation and repetition make a major difference," Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Williams, Culinary Management noncommissioned officer in charge, for the 25th QM Co., 3rd CSC, noted. "The competition reinforced the importance of knowing the standards, understanding the 'why' behind our procedures, and ensuring every Soldier understands their role. I also saw how much the team grew throughout the process. By the end, they were more confident, knowledgeable, and able to operate as a team without needing constant direction."
With the evaluation phase complete, the team remains focused on sustaining the high baseline of operational readiness established during the event rather than treating it as a one-time effort.
"Our next step is to continue building on what we learned during the Connelly competition," Streeter stated. "We want to maintain the same level of readiness and discipline while continuing to develop our Soldiers and strengthen our field-feeding capabilities. The goal is not to train to a standard only for competition, but to make that standard part of how we operate every day."
Beyond technical skill and logistical success, the experience forged a stronger, more resilient team capable of supporting large-scale operational requirements anywhere in the world.
"I am extremely proud of the team," Streeter added. "This was more than a competition; it showed what our Soldiers can accomplish when they work together toward one goal. It also took support from outside our immediate team, and I appreciate every Soldier, leader, and supporting units who contributed to our success. Regardless of the results, the growth, teamwork, and confidence our Soldiers gained throughout this process is something we can be proud of."
Following the conclusion of the two-day event, the 25th QM Co., Soldiers are now awaiting selection to represent U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command as they advance to compete at the Department of the Army level.
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2026 15:34 |
| Story ID: | 573707 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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