By Spc. Ryan Elliott
14th Public Affairs Detachment
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq - Fifty four Soldiers from across Task Force Iron gathered on Contingency Operating Base Speicher to take part in a three day Multi-National Division North Warrior Competition.
The Warrior Competition pulled together the best Soldiers Task Force Iron had to offer.
We've asked each Multi-National Division - North Brigade and Battalion, to provide their best non-commissioned officer as well as their best Soldier to compete in a round robin competition, said Sgt. Maj. Allen Ashton First Armored Division master gunner and operations sergeant major.
The main goal of the competition was to crown the best non-commissioned officer and the best junior troop of MND-North.
The MND- North Warrior competition featured NCOs competing alongside junior troops.
"The NCOs represent the strong, competent, caring and engaged leaders who challenge their Soldiers to develop and meet their fullest potential," said Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Blackwood Multi-National Division - North.
"This competition is a representation of the troops training readiness and their mission readiness, the competition is a measurement of the excellence these individual Soldiers and units have maintained," said Ashton.
The Warrior Competition consisted of seven individual stations designed to test the physical fitness as well as the mental dexterity of each of the Iron Soldiers.
Fifty four Soldiers pulled pushed and sweated as they took part in events such as an Army Physical Fitness test, a three mile Combat Run in full gear and various ranges.
"They've completed a physically challenging and grueling regiment of tasks over the past three days; they've done physical events like the range and tested their knowledge on a written test and board, while maintaining exceptionally high moral," said Ashton.
Throughout the week long competition the Soldier maintained high moral and their enthusiasm reflected in their performances.
"The Soldiers are highly motivated, physically fit and well trained in their Warrior Task and Drills," said Blackwood.
The competition was designed to test Soldier's basic soldiering skill and determine their proficiency.
"This competition recognizes the strength of units. It features the small unit leaders, and the Soldiers conducting operations daily to create a secure environment for Iraq's citizens," said Blackwood.
Staff Sgt. Aldo Mercado of the 728th MP Battalion took first place among the NCOs competing followed by Sgt Christopher Nelson 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Second place and Sgt Zackary Bumanglag, 18th Engineer, in third place.
Spc. Michael Pravalenko of the 728th MPs took first place among the lower enlisted followed closely by Spc. David Walker STB 101st Airborne Division, in second place and Spc. Derrick Creighton 3-3 Armored Cavalry Regiment took third place.
All the Soldiers who have competed in this three day competition have performed excellently and their units should take a lot of pride in them," said Ashton.