RAPID CITY, S.D. – Five South Dakota Army National Guard units received the National Guard Bureau’s Superior Unit Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements during training year 2012. The units receiving the award are the: 82nd Civil Support Team (CST) of Ellsworth Air Force Base, 211th Engineer Company of Madison, 740th Transportation Company of Milbank, Company A 139th Brigade Support Battalion of Redfield, and Training Center Command of Rapid City. Training Center also received the Eisenhower Trophy.
The Superior Unit Award is presented only to units that meet very high standards. The metrics required to meet the standard for the award are very stringent. Among other factors units must achieve: 95 percent attendance for all drills and annual training, 90 percent of personnel must pass the physical fitness test, 95 percent must qualify with their individual assigned weapon and the unit must pass the maintenance portion of an externally administered inspection.
This is the second year in a row that the Superior Unit Award has been awarded to the 82nd CST. The 82nd was the first CST in the nation to receive the award, and has now distinguished the unit again with a second award.
The 82nd CST was presented their award during their change of command ceremony on May 17, 2013. The Superior Unit Award is awarded to units that meet high levels of personnel readiness, training and inspections.
“Only about the top 10 percent of units receive this award,” said Col. Bill Freidel, the 109th Regional Support Group commander during the presentation of the award.