FORT POLK, L.A. -- A 10th Mountain Division (LI) infantryman was named U.S. Army Forces Command's Soldier of the Year, and he will participate in the annual Best Warrior Competition in October.
Sgt. Justin M. McLendon, team leader in A Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Polk, La., now will continue training for the Armywide competition scheduled Oct. 4-12 at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.
"I am on a strict workout routine to help better me in the places I felt I was lacking during the FORSCOM competition, as well as going to ranges, studying Army knowledge and performing warrior tasks and battle drills," McLendon said.
The FORSCOM competition at Fort Bragg, N.C., tested Soldiers in a series of challenging events to include a nine-mile foot march, day and night land navigation course, rifle qualification and combat lifesaving test. McLendon said that after an initial welcome briefing, everything they did during the competition was graded.
"We were never told what event was upcoming, and that was difficult for most because we were trying to pace ourselves for the competition," he said.
The competitors began a road march before dawn, not knowing the distance or any time constraint they had in which to complete it. An obstacle course and leader reaction course assessed their ability to negotiate obstacles and work as a team. They were given a written examination in the dark, using only the red lenses on their flashlights to see. The stress shoot evaluated how Soldiers could shoot, move and communicate while hungry, tired and sore. After they completed all of the field events, the competitors were given time to clean their weapons and sleep before the culminating Army Physical Fitness Test and board appearance.
"All in all, it was a great competition that pushed us -- physically, emotionally and mentally," McLendon said.
Along with earning the title of FORSCOM Soldier of the Year, McLendon was presented the Meritorious Service Medal by FORSCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Scott C. Schroeder during a banquet Aug. 26. Sgt. James Gawlowski, air defense squad leader, D Battery, 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C., was named FORSCOM's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
"I am going into the next competition knowing that I am representing not only my unit but my chain of responsibility at the highest level," McLendon said. "I do not know what the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition holds, but I do know that my leadership is helping prepare me, and I am honored to get to compete at this level and look forward to bringing home the win for FORSCOM."
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