On Jan. 26, cavalry scouts across Fort Bliss gathered to face off for the title of "Iron Scout" and a chance to compete for the Gainey Cup at Fort Benning, Georgia, in early May.
The five-day event tested five-man teams -- consisting of two noncommissioned officers and three Soldiers -- on cavalry scout skills such as day and night fires, weapons familiarization, area reconnaissance, observation post establishment, and a mystery event.
The Iron Scout Competition began with the Air Assault Obstacle Course. The teams received points for each member of the team who successfully negotiated an obstacle.
"I love the opportunity to prove you're the best," Cpl. Justin Smith, Troop B, said of the competition. "Many people will claim they are, but until you prove it, you're just talk."
Although exhausted from the first two days of competition, the participants were faced with the mystery event, "Combat Water Survival," which took place at the Aquatic Center at East Fort Bliss.
Tasks during the combat water survival event included a confidence jump, treading water, swimming the length of pool with a weapon, removing gear while submerged and vigorous exercises.
Command Sgt. Maj. Lance P. Lehr, 1st AD and Fort Bliss command sergeant major, stood poolside to motivate the competitors while they challenged themselves physically and mentally.
"Treading water for five minutes seemed almost impossible after being so exhausted, but I refused to let my team down," said Sgt. Bill Cranford, also assigned to Troop B.
Day Four of the competition was no easier for the competitors. The day began with an unconventional physical fitness test.
The multi-event physical fitness test included push-ups; sit-ups; dips; pull-ups; a 200-meter, five-gallon "water judge" run; a Humvee push; and a 3-mile run.
"The PT event was the hardest part of the competition for me because we were already smoked from the previous days," said Troop B's Spc. Seth Phillips.
The competition remained close even after two teams were eliminated due to injuries.
Only one team could advance and after all the scores were calculated, the 2nd Squadron, 13th Cav. Regt., came out on top.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Garza, Sgt. Kurt Taveras and Spcs. Seth Phillips, Gary Willis and Zachary Bloxham, will head to Fort Benning to compete for the Gainey Cup in early May.
"I am looking forward to competing against sister units, other branches of service, and against other countries during the Gainey Cup," said Taveras.
"I am looking forward to training with all the other units, and to see how we stack up against the best in the world," said Willis.
"It will be a true testament of our tactical and technical proficiency as we compete against multinational forces and other branches of service," said Garza.
Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Twitty, 1st AD and Fort Bliss commanding general; retired Brig. Gen. Richard A. Beranhausen; and Lehr presented the winners with the Army Achievement Medal at Friday's ceremony.
"Your service is validated and warranted and needed," said Beranhausen during his remarks at the ceremony. "Your tough training is important because you are going to dodge (improvised explosive devices) and you volunteered to do it."
"With this victory, we become a part of history," said Bloxham.
The winners of the Gainey Cup will receive a Colt revolver and be inducted to the Order of Saint George.
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