FORT BENNING, Ga. - After a multiweek competition Sept. 24 through Oct. 14, the second time was the charm for Fort Benning's newest Black Hat of the Year, SSG Rommel Hurtado. Only one year removed from his self-described disappointing performance in last year's competition, Hurtado emerged the winner among seven Airborne cadre.
"I wasn't satisfied with my performance and wanted to redeem myself," said Hurtado, a jumpmaster instructor with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. "So I volunteered to compete again. I didn't psych myself up so much this time - just focused on doing the best I could, and I ended up winning."
"Black Hat," a term used to identify a Soldier as an Airborne School instructor, refers to the black baseball caps worn by instructors.
"This is one of the most prestigious awards for a Black Hat," said SGM Michael Green, the senior NCO for 1st Bn., 507th PIR. "The top Black Hat is the standard-bearer for all of the Airborne instructors."
The Soldiers were evaluated and graded in areas of classroom instruction, written exams, physical fitness, oral recitation, the jump master personal inspection, rigging equipment, practical work in the aircraft and the mystery event - a board featuring master trainers from each branch of Airborne School and the sergeant major.
Hurtado came out on top with 949 points out of a possible 1,000. Hurtado trailed SSG Nicholas Kenrick, an instructor with B Company, going into the final day of competition and Hurtado took the lead with a 94 percent score for accuracy during the JMPI. Kenrick finished second with 909 points and SSG Daniel Lizanne, an instructor with A Company, finished third with 795 points.
"I was confident he would do well," said CPT Michael Rybacki, HHC commander, of Hurtado's win. "He's a true NCO dedicated to the mission at hand. It was an outright great performance and I wasn't surprised he won."
Hurtado said his level of experience and the support of peers were key in preparing for the competition.
"I had more experience this time around, I wasn't focusing on learning events," he said. "All of my peers were very supportive. Everybody pitched in and I appreciate the help they gave me."
Hurtado said winning the competition has humbled him.
"I've learned to be patient," he said. "Last year, I had a cocky attitude and thought it would be easy. I set myself up a little too high and ended up disappointing myself. Now I just think about doing the best I can."
Hurtado has served with the battalion for nearly two years. Prior to that, he was deployed four times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Hurtado has served 10 years in the Army with assignments ranging from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
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