20160319 –
CAMP
SANTIAGO, Puerto Rico - Demonstrating commitment to the Army values, embodying
the Warrior Ethos, and representing the force of the future are just 3 qualities
that describe the Soldiers participating in the 1st Mission Support Command
(MSC) Best Warrior Competition (BWC) at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 14-18.
During this
five-day competition, these elite competitors tested their Army aptitude by
conquering medical evacuation simulations, board interviews, physical fitness
tests, written exams, and Warrior tasks and battle drills relevant to today’s
operating environment.
During the BWC,
Soldiers went through several tasks, including the Army Physical Fitness Test
(APFT). With a start time of out your typical o’dark thirty, every Soldier performed
exceptionally well despite the 90 degree weather and gave distinguished
themselves by giving 110%. Sgt. Juan Almodovar, 35th ESB, B Co., experienced
a slight setback during the push-up event. “I was nervous, I could have gotten
eliminated if I failed,” said Almodovar, “I was using an incorrect form and I
got corrections from the Drill Sergeant and finished the event with good
numbers.”
During this
physically and mentally strenuous week, Soldiers held high expectations throughout.
“I expect this competition to push you, it will push you physically and mentally
and I sure look forward to pushing myself and become better as a Soldier and as
a person.” Said Private 1st Class Andrew I. Rosser, 201th Reginal Support
Group.
The
Noncommissioned officers (NCOs) have demonstrated their leadership skills
guiding the rest of the competitors through this competition. For Sgt.
Standrich Granell, 268th Transportation Co, this isn’t his first time
competing at the 1st MSC BWC. “This is
my third year competing and I can tell the difference,” said Standrich, “each
year the events get tougher. This is great because we need to be prepared to
represent the 1st MSC at USARC level.” Granell represented the 1st
MSC during the USARC Best Warrior Competition last year as a specialist.
As with any
competition, winning is the mission but most of these Soldiers are taking home
more than just a win. “This is a unique experience,” said Spc. Roberto Santiago,
471st EN Co., “We have to take advantage of this opportunity, you
come out of this experience feeling motivated to carry on with your military
career and civilian life.”
Unlike unit
level competitions, the competitors did not have their sponsors beside them,
motivating them and pushing them through the events. The drill sergeants present
were not only evaluating their performance but were also motivating them and
ensuring they gave nothing but their best.
“It doesn’t
matter who is going to win, our objective is that each one of those Soldiers
learn and execute each one of those tasks to the highest level possible,” said Senior
drill Sgt. Henrick Roman, 1st/389th E Co.
As the Soldiers
prepared for the last event, the Sergeant Major board, the competition was
tight with only a one or two point difference. After five days of competition, only
two move forward, an NCO and a junior enlisted Soldier.
Through his
hard work, effort and leadership, Granell came out victorious and will be representing
the 1st MSC during the USARC BWC along with Spc. Janmichael Armijo, 35th
ESB C Co. During the competition, Armijo
expressed his desire to win and he succeeded. “It’s a good learning experience
for my career and just hope I win.” Said Armijo.
Brigadier
General Alberto C. Rosende, commanding general for the 1st MSC, was present
during the award ceremony. He congratulated Granell and Armijo and has great
confidence that they will represent the command well.
Even though
there can only be one winner per category, this competition gave these Soldiers
something more, something not everyone can say they have. “I know that Soldiers
or individuals tend to be disappointed when they don’t come out on top,”
expressed Rosende. “But at the end of the day, they have to remember that they were
participants, they were on the battlefield, they were members of those that were
really living the event, and nobody can take that away from them.”
Rosende
emphasized that these Soldiers were representing their units and when they go
back to their units, they can mentor other folks on what they need to do be
better. “They can come back here next year that much stronger and better,” said
Rosende. “The Best Warrior Competition is not only to identify the best Warrior,
but it really is to give opportunities to Soldiers to continue training in
their warrior skills and make them the best solider that they can be.”