FORT SILL, Okla. (May 28, 2015) -- Soldiers and leaders from 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery held their signature Red Dragon Axe Competition May 13 at Fort Sill.
Each battery and company competed against the others in a series of physical events testing teamwork, resiliency, motivation and proficiency with equipment. The fastest group would be named champions and earn possession of the Red Dragons' renowned blade until the next contest.
The competition began shortly before sunrise when the "Bulldog" Soldiers of B Battery, last year's winners, started their run from the Patriot Club to Ambrosia Springs Park.
To provide realistic training, each battery moved as a single mass while also carrying a Soldier on a medical litter for the duration of the competition. Teams took a dip into Medicine Creek and assisted each other up the slippery banks. Soldiers then proceeded swiftly through the forest to Rucker Park, a historical site once used by Olympic horse racers.
Spc. Jesse Silva, a signal support specialist from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB) said he enjoyed the challenge, something he hadn't participated in before.
"(Medicine Creek) was cold and hard to get out of, but we had help by pushing and pulling each other up," he said.
Groups completed several timed challenges at Rucker Park, which included pushing a M1152 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle for a quarter mile and traversing several steeplechase obstacles, including hills, wooden fences and stone hurdles. Soldiers worked together to flip three oversized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck tires about 100 yards.
They also carried 70-pound tow bars, tracked vehicle wheels, recovery chains and 45-pound water cans to within sight of the finish line.
The final trial, from which the competition drew its name, required teams to split a 10-inch diameter wooden log using basic issue items (mostly the axe) from the Pioneer Tool Kit.
Lt. Col. Patrick Stich, 3-13th FA commander, created the concept of the competition as one that incorporated everyday tasks Soldiers do on a routine basis.
"It illustrates how important equipment serviceability and maintenance are when it comes down to using the tools we have to accomplish whatever job comes our way," he said.
Ultimately, The "Avengers" of A Battery usurped the champions from B Battery. With a time of 25 minutes, 24 seconds, their margin of victory was a mere 19 seconds over B Battery's team. Third place went to the 66th Forward Support Company at 29:43. Soldiers from HHB rounded out the competition completing it in 31:25.
"I loved this competition and hope that we do more physical training like we did today," said Pvt. Bryan Siefkes, an Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Display System operator in A Battery who displayed his lumberjack skills.
Capt. Jason Mazzella, A Battery commander said the event was a first for battery Soldiers to unite as a team. He said he was proud of his Soldiers' accomplishment.
Despite rainy conditions, over 100 Red Dragon Soldiers participated in the annual competition. Family readiness group volunteers pitched in during the event supporting the competitors with food and refreshments.
Sgt. Ryan Geesey, a M270 Multiple Rocket Launcher System crewmember from B Battery, said his battery mates did their best and victory could have been theirs again. Still, he's optimistic about next year.
"Even though I won't be here when Bravo takes the axe back, I feel fortunate to have been able to run one last time," he said.
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