Soldiers vie for number-one spot

Published March 9, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 78th Training Division held its inaugural Joint Best Warrior Competition March 2 through 7 here.

The Best Warrior Competition is a test of the Soldiers' military knowledge, skills and physical fitness.

"They run through a gamut of challenges which test them both mentally and physically," said 1st Sgt. James Greene, 78th TD first sergeant who is originally from Aberdeen, Md.
"This competition gives us senior-enlisted folks a chance to see what the younger generation can do."

This year's competition was unique because the 244th Aviation Brigade was invited to participate as well.

"I'm glad we got to compete this year with the 78th," said Staff Sgt. Mildred Rodriguez, 244th Avn. Bde. human resource sergeant from New York City. "This competition is a way for me to challenge myself as well as see what I am capable of. We train like this all the time, but when a little bit of competition is added to the mix, it definitely changes the game."

The competition has two categories for the competitors. Specialists compete in the Soldier category while sergeants through sergeants first class compete in the noncommissioned officer category to determine the top enlisted Soldiers in both the junior enlisted force and within the NCO Corps.

The "Lightning" Division Soldiers along with the 244th Avn. Bde. competed in a variety of events ranging from land navigation, weapons qualification, Army physical fitness test, Army warrior tasks, 10k road march, personal appearance board, drill and ceremony and a written exam. Soldiers competed against each other for accuracy and speed as many of the events were timed.

"The challenge of this competition was going straight from intense physical activity to mentally challenging tasks," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Dailey, 78th TD small arms marksmanship instructor from Absecon, N.J. "This is an opportunity to see how I stack up as an NCO. The things I learn here will help me become a better NCO down the road."

Army NCOs must be able to set an example for the soldiers under their charge while being physically capable to lead. The competition's goal is to test the courage of these leaders.

"I think one of the major challenges of a NCO is being flexible," said Greene. "This program helps them adept to different scenarios so they can rise to the top."

The prize given to the four champions, one soldier and one NCO from each unit, is an Army Achievement Medal and a chance to represent their units in the next two levels of competition.

This year's 78th TD winners were Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Rios, Regional Training Center-East instructor from Yonkers, N.Y., and Spc. John Carvajal, 78th Training Division human resources sergeant from Colombia, Calif.

The 244th Avn. Bde. winners were Sgt. Anthony Sabado, intelligence analyst from Bethlehem, Pa., and Spc. Jeffrey Thomas. Jr., intelligence analyst from Philadelphia.

Winners from the 244th Avn. Bde. will progress to the 11th Aviation Command's Best Warrior Competition. Winners from the 78th TD will move forward and compete in the 84th Training Commands Best Warrior Competition, both held in June this year. All command winners will compete in the United States Army Reserve Command's Best Warrior Competition later this year.

As the competition came to a close, participants look back at what they accomplished.
"If I had the opportunity, I would definitely do this again," said Rodriguez. "We train like we fight and that means staying strong and never giving up."

The competition provides a learning opportunity for even seasoned NCOs.

"I would definitely recommend this event to the soldiers in my unit," said Dailey. "Hopefully they will be able to test their skills in next year's competition."

Greene mentioned the competition was practically neck-and-neck the entire time, proving each soldier's mettle.

"I'm getting close to my retirement but I know the Army has a bright future because of the caliber of these adaptive go-getters," said Greene. "I can soon go home and relax, knowing the Army is in good hands."

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