FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 2, 2006
SR# 120206-02
By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
BAQUBAH, Iraq (Nov. 30, 2006) -- While some Soldiers go back to their living spaces after a long day of work to relax, watch a movie or play video games, other Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, spent their extra time preparing for the “Gladiator” Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year board to determine who was "the best in the Battalion."
These Soldiers participated in month-long activities to earn their place among the best of the best, with the final test Nov. 30, at Forward Operating Base Warhorse.
The Soldier and NCO of the Year board tests Soldiers in areas such as marksmanship, basic Soldier knowledge and the Army physical fitness test. To win, the Soldiers have to be at the top of their game, ready for any test or question to come their way.
"I think I did pretty well because I studied the past couple of days to brush up on knowledge," said Staff Sgt. Derald Swain, Company A, 3rd BSTB. "I was very pleased with my performance."
The Henderson, Tenn., native said he enjoyed many aspects of the board and felt honored to be able to compete for the title.
"There is more hands on things that you are tested on than back in garrison," said Swain. "I like the more hands on things versus answering questions. It's more relaxing. But, whether you win or lose, it's just a privilege to go to one of these boards."
"I [also] think I did really well," said Sgt. Chris Cobbs, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT and a native of Winlock, Wash.
"On my way out, the board members made a comment that I had an outstanding board," he added. "That was a nice feeling."
Cobbs added that he also studied long hours in preparation for the board.
"I studied a lot of our standards cards and stayed up-to-date with current events," he said. "I think that really helped me out."
Since the Soldiers are not in the garrison environment, the board they attended was slightly different than those they were used to.
"These boards are great because you have to show that you can complete a task versus explaining how to complete it," said Swain.
"I think I will hold on to this experience more than if it was in garrison because of the hands-on tests," he said. "Sometimes it's easer to perform than try to answer something that’s in your head."
"This was my first 'field board' and I think it's different because instead of showing up in your dress uniform, you have on all your gear, which adds more pressure to the situation," Cobbs said. "I think they look for how well you carry yourself while being tested in full gear for a long period of time."
"It's a different environment, different set of questions and a different focus to what we are being tested on," he continued. "It's all book knowledge back in garrison, where here, it’s all theater related. The test involved things going on around us and things on the FOB."
Both Soldiers agree the whole competition was a tough one, but well worth the time and experience.
"I was very excited to participate, and it’s a real honor to come to one of these boards," said Swain. "I hope I can share my experience with the other Soldiers in our unit, to better prepare them for any boards they may be up against. My experience could help them improve."
"All boards are great learning experiences for Soldiers," he said.
"You can study for boards and feel ready, but until you go in there and stand in front of the judges, that’s when you're really tested and that’s when you have to step it up," added Cobbs. "It's really important in how you carry yourself, how you carry your voice, answer the questions, and how you look.”
"The most I'm taking away with me is the knowledge of knowing I can handle myself in a pressure situation in front of people, and the knowledge of bettering my Soldiering skills," said Spc. Gene Lary, Co. B, 3rd BSTB and a native of Gainesville, Ga.
"It also lets me know what area I need to improve in and get ready for the next board I can participate in," he added.
"Coming out of a board, you realize that you knew more than you thought you knew and you can handle yourself in a really pressured situation," said Cobbs. "You come out a refreshed Soldier."
"Once you’ve been to a board like this, it opens your eyes to many other things," he continued. "You start to help other Soldiers more.”
Though he did not win the competition, Lary said he has already been noticed for his efforts by his peers.
"It's been nice because people have been coming to me asking for help with their boards," said Lary. "Helping them study and squaring them away -- it’s a good feeling because when I am an NCO, I will be able to do this with my Soldiers."
In the end, the “Gladiator” NCO of the Year was Sgt. Serena Hayden, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd BCT, while Pfc. Christopher Hurt, HHC, 3rd BSTB, won the Soldier of the Year. Before winning the year-level board, both Soldiers won the Soldier and NCO of the Month boards along with Soldier and NCO of the Quarter boards in garrison. They received the Army Commendation Medal, a four-day trip to Qatar and a 200 minute calling card.
For Lary and Cobbs, they both see their trip to the board as a positive one that other Soldiers should look in to.
"It's a good experience and gives you extra knowledge that will help with your career," said Lary.
"I think there should be more Soldiers trying to compete in the board," added Cobbs. "It's healthy competition and is helpful for all Soldiers."
Spc. Patrick Small, Company A, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, answers questions during the “Gladiator” Soldier of the Year board at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Baqubah, Iraq, Nov. 30. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
Soldiers participating in the 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldier and NCO of the Year board conduct reflexive fire as a requirement for the board at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 30. The Soldiers were tested on their marksmanship skills, physical fitness and basic Soldier knowledge. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
Spc. Gene Lary, Company B, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, looks over his shoulder to identify his target during a reflexive fire range for the battalion’s Soldier and NCO of the Year board at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
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