Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Debra Richardson | The 201st Sustainer Challenge team with 1/201st Field Artillery, West Virginia Army...... read more read more
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — After three weeks of hardcore training, members of the 1/201st Field Artillery team from West Virginia walked across the Camp Arifjan stage with heads held high as they posed for a picture with their second place trophy. The 2011 Sustainer Challenge, hosted by 1st TSC, Theater Support Command, kicked off earlier this week and included nine teams from various battalions throughout Kuwait.
The challenge consisted of six events with competitions both for individual and overall team scores. With only three weeks to prepare, the team worked hard to organize training for the six events: 10K ruck march, disassemble and reassemble a M2 Weapon System, qualify on the M4/M16, Army Physical Fitness Test, litter carry to include first aid tasks, and combatives.
“It’s humbling to see how much effort goes into basic tasks, such as disassembling and reassembling the .50 caliber machine gun” said 1st Lt. Robert L. Lawson, a platoon leader with A Company. “I really enjoyed competing and it was a wonderful opportunity. As officers, we rarely have the opportunity to compete in contests such as these and it was truly an honor.”
Due to the operational tempo typical of a deployment environment, the team practiced for events during their off hours. When most Soldiers were preparing for bed, the team members could be found marching around base, their PT belts the only thing separating them from the otherwise dark night.
During lunch breaks, the team often gathered to practice for the .50 caliber and the litter carry event.
“It felt great receiving that trophy, knowing all those long hours paid off,” said Spc. Ian Frist, a medic in A Company. “I loved the smile on Command Sgt. Maj. Bobby Cales’ face when we walked on stage. He was so proud and that smile made all the blisters and bruises worth it.”
After receiving scores, plaques and trophies, the real pleasure followed with the welcoming handshakes from fellow service members. The team was greeted by members of the 197th Fires Brigade and congratulated by members of the 201st when they returned to Camp Buehring.
First Lt. Charles Naumann, the executive officer for C Company, served as the TF 201 team captain and witnessed their enthusiasm and dedication first hand. “The team did an excellent job representing the brigade, battalion and themselves with their effort and performance during the competition,” Naumann said. “I was most impressed by their camaraderie and sportsmanship under pressure.”
While the Sustainer Challenge was an amazing morale booster for all involved and represented, it served a greater purpose. Each event was selected to represent the many tasks a Soldier must be capable of completing on today’s modern battle field. The teams completed those tasks under immense pressure and teamwork was imperative. Today’s soldier must be quick on their feet and capable of reacting to various scenarios, both planned and unplanned. This competition is yet another reflection of the competent soldiers the Army trains and deploys and the many challenges soldiers face and overcome on a daily basis.
The 201st team includes: 1st Lt. Robert Lawson from Pittsburgh; Staff Sgt. Debra Richardson from Morgantown, W.Va.; Sgt. Jason Quickel from Marion, N.C.; Spc. Ian Frist from Morgantown, W.Va. and Team Captain 1st Lt. Charles Naumann from Beckley, W.Va.
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.09.2011 05:44 |
| Story ID: | 68484 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 438 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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