Specialist Joshua Stephen, an intelligence analyst in HHC, 3rd CAB, performs a pull-up during the Iron Talon competition, June 1. The seven-event challenge began with an Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by a ten-mile ruck march, a 100-meter sprin...

Soldiers from HHC, 3rd CAB, take off for the ten-mile ruck march event during the "Iron Talon" competition, June 1. The seven-event challenge began with an Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by a ten-mile ruck march, a 100-meter sprint, a pull-up e...

Private First Class Pierre Tyler, left, an operations specialist, and Spc. Derrick Simmons, right, a human resources specialist with HHC, 3rd CAB, run neck and neck through the finish line of the 100-meter sprint event during the "Iron Talon" competi...

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, participated, June 1, in a seven-event competition testing physical fitness and endurance for the right to the title of "Iron Talon."

The Soldiers competed individually and in teams, beginning with an Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by a ten-mile road march, a 100-meter sprint, a pull-up event, a long-jump event, and ending with a run from the company area to Tominac Fitness Center for a 200-meter swim.

Captain Aaron Kearney, commander of HHC, 3rd CAB, took part in the event and said he was impressed with the enthusiasm and performance of his fellow competitors.

"The goal was to push to their limit and then beyond, and some of had never done that before," said Capt. Kearney. "The Soldiers learned a lot about themselves out there -- about what they can do and what they can accomplish."

Both Capt. Kearney and Spc. Joshua Stephen, an intelligence analyst and first place winner amongst junior enlisted males in HHC, 3rd CAB, said the most challenging event was the swim at the end.

However, Spc. Stephen said the challenges helped boost morale and foster team unity.

"Any time you get us out there competing against each other, we're going to have fun," said Spc. Stephen.

"We're pushing each other and ourselves to perform at the highest levels we can."