FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Originating nearly 1,000 years ago as a way for Genghis Khan and his Mongolian leaders to test other leaders, a "mungadai" has transcended its original purpose into what 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment uses as a way to not only test their Soldiers and stimulate the unit's esprit de corps, but to bring Family Members closer to the organization, resulting in enhanced unit cohesion.
Leaders of 3-6 FA conducted the three-day battalion event May 22-24, putting their Soldiers through rigorous physical challenges for the first two days with their Family Members experiencing something similar on the third day, known as the "Red-Leg Day."
Day one consisted of miles of ruck marching, rappelling down 100-foot cliffs and conducting boat maneuvers at Pulpit Rock State Forest in Antwerp.
"You have people here from all ranks participating in these challenges and spreading their knowledge and passing it on to the new guys," said Spc. Randall Busick, a medic with 3-6 FA. "It's a great team building experience and really builds motivation at the same time."
Day two brought Soldiers back to Fort Drum's training area where they had to ruck-march to seven different stations, completing tasks such as medical evacuation techniques, urban breaching and howitzer drills.
"We are graded on our movement times between event locations and how long it takes us to complete the event," said Capt. Vernon Pittman, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-6 FA. "All of these things will be tabulated and a winner will be determined, with the prize being pride and bragging rights."
After these two extremely physically challenge days for the Soldiers, they had a chance to sit back and watch their Family Members participate in a series of events that challenged them physically and mentally.
"It is a great way to bring everyone together, building on our camaraderie and esprit de corps; that is the goal with this event," said Lt. Col. Mike Oeschger, commander of 3-6 FA.
Although the Family Members' challenges didn't involve many miles of ruck marching, they were definitely tested during this Red-Leg Day by taking part in vehicle roll-over drills, howitzer targeting drills, shooting weapons on a simulated trainer and working together to get through the arduous obstacle course; gaining an even greater appreciation for what their loved ones do on a daily basis.
"I think it's awesome. It's great to be able to see what our husbands do, thankfully on a scaled-down version," said Beth Donnelly, wife of Spc. Patrick Donnelly of A Battery, 3-6 FA. "It was definitely challenging. I couldn't imagine going through what they go through."
"I think we should do this again, but next time in the middle of winter," Patrick Donnelly added with a chuckle.
It was apparent that the commander's goal of bringing members of the unit closer together had been reached, based on the many testimonies of Family Members as well as the conversations taking place after completing the day's training events.
"It's a morale booster for me as a military wife," said Beth Donnelly.
Many commanders would agree with Oeschger when he said, "Any time a spouse supports the organization, we become a better unit because of them and their involvement."
This event not only brings wives closer to their husbands and the unit; it also brings unit spouses closer to others.
At the end of the third day, Soldiers, Family Members and friends united at Remington Pond to relax and recuperate while enjoying a much-deserved barbecue.
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