FORT HOOD, Texas – In the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, 36 Soldiers took to the obstacle course during a day of leadership training here April 29.
Soldiers with Forward Support Company E, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion “Spartan,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, completed eight team-challenging water obstacles at Fort Hood’s Leader’s Reaction Course to build their cohesiveness, said 2nd Lt. Jamell Huaracha, a platoon leader and officer-in-charge of the event.
To ensure the events are more mentally and physically challenging, many of them take place 10 feet in the air and above water, added Huaracha, a San Antonio native.
“Each group had at least one senior ranking person, but ultimately the goal of successfully completing each course is directed at the Soldiers’ ability to think individually, communicate those ideas and work as a team,” he said.
Huaracha said being a forward support element, the company consists of maintenance personnel and distribution personnel – fuel and logistical components. While those are two distinct elements, the Soldiers rely on each other for support and must work together to support the battalion.
“This company works very well together, because everyone has an opportunity to voice their input,” he said. “The leaders take charge, and each Soldier provides input, so every asset can be utilized.”
Spc. Deondra Haslam, a generator repairer with FSC E, said communication is the key.
“Communication is always the toughest part of any event or team obstacle, but once every Soldier in our group found their voice, gave input, our confidence level grew,” Haslam said.
That trust in each other not only made it a successful day on the obstacles, but it established a closer working relationship between each Soldier in the company, she added.
Haslam said she is looking forward to the course becoming an annual event at the company.