FORT SILL, Okla. Feb. 19, 2015 -- The late sportscaster Howard Cosell once said, "The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give."
Knowing they have done their best and they got the most out of what they gave, is what eight Soldiers from throughout 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade recently reached for Feb. 5 at Fort Sill.
The Soldiers competed for the title "Best Archer Warrior" within the brigade. The competition brought together physical and mental challenges that pushed the Soldiers to strive for excellence.
It also identified the brigade's two best Soldiers, who will represent the unit at the annual Blackjack Competition hosted by the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss, Texas.
"The spirit of competition can bring out the best in a Soldier, and when you have a group like this competing for the same title it also develops camaraderie among them," said Sgt. Maj. Christopher Moore, brigade operations sergeant major. "Watching them compete against each other and helping each other out during some of the more strenuous and exhausting events is what makes this competition great."
An Army Physical Training Test, Army Warrior Task Lanes, urban orienteering, an in-ranks inspection and a knowledge board comprised the event.
"I enjoyed the competition, the fellow NCOs and Soldiers were great, and the camaraderie superior even though we all wanted to win," said Staff Sgt. Asyah Moore, D Battery, 4th Battalion, 3rd ADA. "I learned a lot along the way; I really enjoyed the urban orienteering; it involved certain hands-on aspects that we need to know how to do."
Overall, the competitors met the obstacles with enthusiasm and the spirit to win.
"This competition was very fun and challenging, I love competition as it promotes success, and it was great to meet and learn alongside fellow NCOs from the brigade," said Sgt. Francisco Flores, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 31st ADA.
For new Soldiers to the Army this was a chance to learn and use skills they may not have used before.
Pfc. Jacob Richards, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd ADA said the events required competitors to use a wide variety of skills.
"As a new Soldier, using these skills was great. I learned that you have to prepare and there is never too much studying -- you can always learn more," he said.
Frequently, day-to-day duties can pose difficulties for Soldiers trying to separate themselves from their peers. Competitions, such as the best warrior provides that spotlight moment where the best prepared, focused and motivated Soldiers can stand out among their peers, and perhaps open doors to further success.
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