Faced with a blitzkrieg of tests that included but was not limited to physical fitness, weapons, land navigation and board interviews, competitors embraced the challenge. They expertly displayed their knowledge, expertise and aptitude – all required by todays Soldier.
Competitors representing U.S. Army Garrison Japan, 1st Battalion 1st Air Defense Artillery, 1st Battalion 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), 78th Signal Battalion, 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 88th Military Police Detachment, Public Health Command – Pacific, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army Medical Department Activity - Japan, United States Army Japan Band and 10th Support Group (Regional), battled it out for top honors. When the smoke cleared, Spc. Benjamin Ruthig, a power generator specialist with 1-1 SFG(A) emerged as this year’s Soldier of the Year and Staff Sgt. Bradley Deines, a platoon sergeant and network systems operator with 10th SG(R) the NCO of the Year.
“We can take what we have learned from these competitions back to our units and utilize that to train our soldiers. I learned a lot more about my weapons systems and how to utilize them efficiently through the Special Forces instructors,” said Deines.
USARJ commanding general, Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, announced the winners and presented them with certificates and an Army Commendation Medal at an awards ceremony held at the Torii Station Chapel Feb. 15.
Spc. Emily Moller, a Chemical Specialist with 1-1 ADA, was also recognized for her achievement of attaining the highest physical training score.
“I joined the Army for adventure and this seemed like an adventure and an experience. My first sergeant encouraged me to do it. The best part of it (participating) was meeting people, meeting people from MOSs (Military Occupational Specialty) I never met before. That was probably the best part,” said Moller.
Deines and Ruthig will now travel to Hawaii to represent U.S. Army Japan in the U.S. Army Pacific Command’s Best Warrior Competition.