Service members join European Best Squad Competition

By Spc. Kaidian Smith, 110th Public Affair Detachment, Rhode IslandOctober 22, 2015

Service members join European Best Squad Competition
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct the urban casualty evacuation lane during the European Best Squad Competition at the 7th Army's Joint Multinational Training Command's Grafenwoehr training are... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Service members join European Best Squad Competition
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Service members join European Best Squad Competition
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Service members join European Best Squad Competition
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Grafenwoehr, GERMANY (Oct. 21, 2015) -- Participants and staff at the European Best Squad Competition all said it takes teamwork to be successful. This is proving to be true during the competition as squads from 14 NATO allies test their resolve during the inaugural European Best Squad Competition.

The competition is being held at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr Training Area, here, Oct. 19-22.

"The Best Squad Competition is a lot of teamwork... it's definitely a physically-demanding competition," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Hill, noncommissioned officer in charge at the sports event for the competition. "It focuses on the squad's ability to work together to move through the obstacles as a team."

The events focus on common military tasks, such as simulated medical evacuation, road marches, and team problem-solving events. These events are designed to promote teamwork and comradery in the squads and between countries, competition planners from the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command said here.

"If you just threw some guys together and went out to do this competition they would only be somewhat successful," Hill said. "But I don't think they wouldn't be able to make it through smoothly and compete competitively."

But throughout the competition Hill advised the competing squads to work together and be patient and understanding with each other.

"If you've got somebody that's strong in a certain aspect, then let them take the lead and move through the obstacle," Hill said.

The competition was designed to test each squad's mental and physical determination, competition organizers explained. They also said that to overcome each event the squads needed to have a strong team spirit, mutual solidarity and fellowship, and a sense of duty and devotion.

"The most important thing is teamwork," said Cpl. Janis Piuss, the Latvian team's squad leader. "Mostly for the obstacle courses and casualty carrying. Working good as a team, I think that's the most important thing."

"Everybody has at least one weak thing that could bring them down, but everybody's pushing everybody to overcome their weaknesses," said U.S. Army Spc. Terrance Dillard, B Company 2-7 Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

"We're all open to ideas," one of the British competitors said. "If someone's got a better solution, he's in command straight away. It's not about rank or structure, it's about being a team."

The European Best Squad Competition is being held for the first time in more than a decade. Sixteen squads from 13 NATO nations - including Albania, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States - will test their metal against intense tactical, physical and mental challenges during the competition, organized and led by Army Europe and the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command.

Organizers hope the event will promote professionalism, build esprit de corps, develop traditions and continue to promote partnerships among NATO allies and partners in Europe.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Europe News

European Best Squad website

7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command