8th TSC Soldiers strive to win Best Warrior Competition

Story by Staff Sgt. John Garver, 8th TSC Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Soldier's in today's Army have to be agile and adaptable to the changes they may encounter as warriors and leaders.

Four Soldiers of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, demonstrated these characteristics, May 2-6, here by competing in various events to include an Army Physical Fitness Test, day and night land navigation, zero and qualification with their M4s and M9s and a formal board, written exam and essay.

Sgt. Raul Galvan and Spc. Robert Miller from the 8th Military Police Brigade, Sgt. Joshua Cipolla and Spc. Sarah Carnello from the 130th Engineer Brigade were selected by their units to represent them in the challenge.

The purpose of the competition was to select the best Soldier and NCO from the command to compete in the United States Army Pacific Command's competition, the next level before reaching the Department of the Army competition.

"In competitions like this, you have to be agile and quickly adapt to whatever is thrown at you," said Spc. Sarah Carnello, a native of Plymouth, M.A.

Day 1 began with an equipment layout and moved directly into an Army physical fitness test the day continues with each Soldier presenting themselves in front of a board of command sergeants major, a written exam and essay. All of which demonstrated their level of Army knowledge and competency.

"This is a rare opportunity where you get the chance to come out and compete against your peers and see what you are made of, also develop those skills you may not get to focus on every day," said Spc. Robert Miller, a native of Clarksville, T.N.

The following day continued with the Soldiers going the air assault obstacle course then moving into lanes to test each Soldiers' warrior tasks and a mystery event.

Day 3 continued with a 12-mile road march and then headed to a range to qualify on the M-4 and M-9.

"I push myself to do things that I know I can do, just staying resilient and the desire to win," said Raul Galvan, a native of Corpus Christi, T.X. "I know that no matter what, I will never quit, and never give up."

The final day started at 3 a.m. with night land navigation, leading into day time navigation. After a quick rest, the Soldiers moved into more lanes to test their warrior tasks and drills and a mystery event.

"I admit I am tired, but not giving up, I want to win and move on," said Sgt. Joshua Cipolla, a native of Mattawan, Michigan.

Sgt. Raul Galvan, with 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade and Spc. Robert Miller, with 303rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, won the unit's 2016 Best Warrior Competition, earning the title of the 8th TSC's noncommissioned officer and Soldier of the year.

The two Best Warriors were awarded with the Army Commendation Medal and other gifts for their accomplishments, May 6, during the 8th TSC's ball

These Soldiers will go on to compete in the U.S. Army Pacific's Best Warrior Competition in June, against winners from other unit's in the Pacific Theater.

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