GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — U.S. Army Europe and Africa held its Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area from July 30 to Aug. 6, with top squads from across the theater going head-to-head. Soldiers representing the 7th Engineer Brigade defeated the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, ending the regiment’s four-year winning streak.
This year’s competition focused on overall readiness and warfighting skills, with soldiers competing in grueling physical and mental challenges involving individual and team-based tasks.
“The squad is the most important element in our formation,” said Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax, command sergeant major for U.S. Army Europe and Africa. “The squad is the one that is making direct contact with the enemy.”
During the closing ceremony, Mullinax said the squad leader is the most important member because the leader is responsible for building the team, developing trust and knowing each member.
“Everything my squad and I do we put in 100 percent effort,” said Staff Sgt. Jonah Mang, squad leader representing the 7th Engineer Brigade Best Squad. “We never look down on each other, and we are always there to pick each other up.”
Each squad faced numerous challenges throughout the competition, testing communication, effectiveness, tactical proficiency and overall fortitude.
Mang said his favorite part of the competition was embracing the challenges his team faced together.
With the victory, the 7th Engineer Brigade team earned the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad and set its sights on the Army Best Squad Competition.
The Army Best Squad Competition will take place at Fort Benning, Ga., from Sept. 11-19.
For more information on this event and others like it, visit American Forces Network (AFN) Bavaria's official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/afnbavaria/ or explore the AFN Bavaria Digital Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS) page.