Photo By Sgt. Maj. Marisol Walker | Sgt. Max Steiner uses a Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receiver, DAGR, and...... read more read more
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FORT MCCOY, Wis. - After a year in college, Max Steiner, enlisted in the Army in 2005 because he thought the war in Iraq was important. Now he finds himself competing for the title of Non-commissioned Officer of the Year at the 2012 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition.
Sgt. Steiner, who has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California-Berkeley, believes it's our duty to serve our country as Americans.
“You say I am an American, this is part of being an American, so you go and do your duty,” said Steiner, an infantryman representing the Joint and Special Troops Support Command.
After his active duty tour, he enlisted in the Army Reserve to pursue a career in economics while continuing to serve his country in the military.
“I'm gonna stay Reserve,” he said. “I love deploying. My two deployment have been the most rewarding years of my life.”
During his deployments he learned to interact with the locals by learning some Arabic.
He plans to continue his career in the Reserve as a commissioned officer in the civil affairs field.
Although, he takes pride in serving his country, Steiner, does not define himself as a soldier first.
“I'm a citizen first, then a soldier,” said Steiner, with a smile. “I did my active time when my country needed me and if I get activated again, I'm completely fine with it.”
As the weeklong competition reaches its midpoint, Steiner continues to take advantage of the training the competition has to offer.
“I'm really having fun and enjoying this training opportunity,” Steiner said. “I'm meeting some squared-away Soldiers. This is some of the best training I've ever had.”
The competition consists of the Army Physical Fitness test, a ruck march, weapons qualification, written exams, mystery events and combatives.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2012 21:38 |
| Story ID: | 91783 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 73 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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