“It’s good for everyone to get together and be super competitive,” said Gunnery Sergeant Joshua Nicolson, a platoon sergeant with Mike Company, 2nd CEB, 2nd Marine Division. “Competition brings out the best in everyone. It’s good to see our junior Marines step up and make decisions on their own.”
The results of the competition ended with 2nd CEB placing first and earning the title as Sapper Squad of the Year, and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, followed by 1st CEB in second place, 3rd CAB in third place, and 4th CEB in last place. Other awards included “The Staff Sergeant Borderlon Award” for the most outstanding squad leader, given to Sgt. Brent Hawkins, a squad leader with 1st CEB, 1st Marine Division. “The Private First Class Phipps Award” for the most outstanding combat engineer was given to Lance Corporal Zachary Driscoll with 1st CEB, 1st Marine Division.
“At the end of the day, everyone wants bragging rights and to be known as the best Sappers in the Marine Corps. Our Marines were determined to represent their division and their units. It’s important for them to push themselves and each other to levels they didn’t know they could reach.” Said Cpl. Lucas Brey, a squad leader with Alpha Company, 1st CEB, 1st Marine Division.
The competition tested the Marines’ endurance and their abilities to lead as well as push themselves past their limits. It improved their occupational skills and will to perform under stressful situations. The Marines were able to take the knowledge they gathered during the week back to their peers in the fleet, providing their units with stronger small-unit leaders, and improving readiness and overall combat effectiveness.