Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    2nd BSB finds their Super Squad

    2nd BSB finds their Super Squad

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Chapman | Pfc. Rachael Dellefave, quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer 2nd Brigade...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

    03.26.2012

    Story by Staff Sgt. David Chapman 

    5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

    JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - For most soldiers, proving they are the best among their peers drives them to succeed. During one training exercise, soldiers got to not only prove who was the best, but sharpened skills they will need during their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    During the two-day competition, hosted by the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, more than 100 soldiers and their squads competed in training lanes that tested both their basic soldier skills and logistical expertise.

    The competition incorporated a day of training lanes such as Female Engagement Team scenarios, setting up a traffic control point, squad movement and react to contact scenarios. On the second day, the soldiers were required to use their logistics skills. Soldiers navigated a Humvee with a trailer, through a serpentine obstacle course and calculated meals and fuel for loading into a trailer based on troop size.

    “This is a competition between the different companies in the battalion and we are using very real-world scenarios that we may run in to when we get downrange,” said Sgt. 1st Class Justin Kubus, platoon sergeant, Company A. “We have four training lanes on day one and a logistics rodeo on day two. All the squads will be graded and the points will be tallied up to decide the winner.”

    This event was for more than just bragging rights for the best squad in the battalion; it was also an opportunity for these soldiers to develop bonds. These bonds will be important when the unit leaves for Afghanistan later this year.

    “For us, this training was based on developing unit cohesion. Often, soldiers in different sections never work together as a team,” said Spc. Rudolphus Sutton, fire control repairer, B Company. “But by coming out here and working with the different people and different personalities during a ruck march and all the testing, really increased our teamwork skills and makes us better soldiers.”

    Working together as a cohesive group was an important element to remember during the competition, as the teams were faced with many challenges that would test their abilities.

    “I think for us the ruck march and all the physical and mental challenges were the most difficult part of this event. Setting up the TCP was the most difficult for us,” said Sutton.

    Despite all the hard work and challenges that the super squad competition provided, some of the difficulties allowed the support soldiers to revert back to their old skills and experience.

    “This was an amazing competition with all the events; it stressed all our abilities and skills and how we have to use them to be Soldiers,” said Sutton. “I felt it was more about gauging myself to see where we are as soldiers. This challenged us to use all of our basic skills correctly.”

    Kubas hoped that the soldiers are able to take away valuable skills from the competition and also deliver them to Afghanistan with confidence in themselves and each other.

    “I hope these soldiers take their team building skills with them downrange and know that they are able to count on each other all the time,” said Kubas.

    At the end of the event the winners of the winners were, A Company; Sgt. Diego Morales, Spc. Giovanni Minichiello, Spc. Jacob Edwards, Spc. Matthew Smith, Spc. Stephanie Brown, Pvt. Deshawn Steeley, Pfc. Perry Childs, Spc. Johnathon White, Spc. Olivia Nightengale, Spc. Djang Achu, Spc. Adhamh Nusser and Spc. Dante Robinson.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.26.2012
    Date Posted: 03.26.2012 14:46
    Story ID: 85806
    Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US

    Web Views: 58
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN