FORT HOOD, Tx -- III Corps soldiers, from across Fort Hood, in two person teams, competed during Operation Phantom Warrior Salute’s Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 15-18. The competition tested soldiers grit, tenacity and Army knowledge through several events.
“Anytime you do something like this it’s always good for you as a soldier,that way you’ll build off of it,” said competitor Sgt. Michael Thomas, 75th Artillery Regiment. {When} you go back to your Brigade and do Soldier of the Quarter {competition} or NCO of the Quarter {competition} they pretty much do this stuff, so you know what to expect,” explained the Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmember.
The competition’s events included day and nighttime M4 carbine shooting qualification, an obstacle course, combatives and day and nighttime land navigation course, while rain continued to pour throughout the entire competition.
“I learned, no matter how much the odds may seem stacked against you, as long as, you show up and have a good attitude and give it your all good things could happen,” said Spc. Alexander Rulman, an infantryman with 1st Cavalry Division and member of the winning team.
With the weather not letting up all week, many of the competitors realized that no matter their proficiency at a particular event they would need to adjust on the spot and overcome to be successful.
“It was a little slippery when we were out there but it wasn’t to the point to where it was dangerous,” explained Sgt. Daniel Corrigan, a member of the winning team. “You kinda had to change your technique, you definitely had to do somethings slower than you normally do,” added the 1st Cavalry Division non-commissioned officer.
Corrigan further explains how the competition allowed for the skills he’s learned throughout his career as an infantryman to aid him in succeeding in this competition.
“It’s something that I really enjoy. It does showcase a lot of the basics of the infantrymen and what their capabilities are. So we went out there and ran the whole course, which was a lot of fun.”
The Best Warrior Competition as part of OPWS celebrates the 100th year anniversary of III Corps. OPWS showcases not only the camaraderie among III Corps units but offers soldiers a chance to show individual unit pride and their own technical and tactical proficiency.
“This competition was a good showcase. The adaptability of it {the Best Warrior Competition}… lets you just compete,” said Corrigan. “Being able to roll with the punches and adapt to the environment. We really didn’t know {because} each day was a new thing for us, we really didn’t know what each day would entail and we just showed up.”
Rulman and Corrigan were both awarded the Army Commendation Medal for placing first in the competition during a ceremony held by III Corps Commanding General Paul E. Funk in front of the various competitors and spectators supporting OPWS.