FORT SILL, Okla. (Oct. 29, 2015) -- Based on military occupation specialty (MOS), Soldiers can compete for job specific badges.
For example, medics can vie for the Expert Field Medics Badge, infantrymen have the Expert Infant-ryman Badge, artillerymen participate in a Best-By-Test competitions, and cavalrymen have chances to earn silver spurs by completing a Spur Ride.
For Soldiers assigned to support specialties, they will always be called upon to support those competitions, but there has hasn't been anything specifically for their occupation.
For the maintenance series MOS Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery, this changed recently when they competed for the right to wear the Ordnance Corps belt buckle.
"Mechanics are always in the motor pool, and the other ordnance officers and I wanted to create an event that was centered on them, focused on a mechanics skillset," said 1st Lt. Unna Lee said. "It's awesome to be in the position to give the Soldiers a break from their normal day-to-day, evaluate their skills in a fun environment, and earn some bling and bragging rights at the culmination."
Operating with little sleep, the day began dark and early with a 4 a.m. Army Service Uniform inspection for all competitors.
As mechanics that spend every day in the motor pool working on the battalion's equipment, it was important to take the opportunity get back to the basics.
"It's been a while since I have worn my ASUs," said Pfc. Cody Tacker, a native of Jackson, Tenn., assigned to the battalion's 66th Forward Support Company as a Multiple Launch Rocket System repairer.
After completion of the inspection Soldiers had minimal time to prepare for a two-mile run around Artillery Bowl, the purpose being to build the motivation and esprit de corps that the Soldiers would need to get them through the remainder of the ride.
Next up was a foot march out to Blue Beaver Driving Range where all remaining events would take place. Soldiers had to complete the nine-mile march in under 2 hours, 15 minutes.
The four squads broke down into their two-Soldier teams and headed out. At the range, Soldiers received a safety brief before two-person teams navigated through four stations where they demonstrated their knowledge of preventive maintenance checks and services; weapons assembly and disassembly; first aid; chemical, biological radiological and nuclear training; and an Ordnance Corps history exam.
The event ended with a trip through the muddy waters of the mire pit where each squad recovered a Light Medium Terrain Vehicle. At the conclusion of the day, 31 Soldiers from the 66th FSC were awarded the much anticipated Ordnance Corps Buckle.
In addition to testing candidates physically and mentally, the "Buckle Ride" helped build unit cohesion and motivated Soldiers.
"It provides quality training and brings camaraderie and boosts confidence," said Master Sgt. Derek Robinson, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-13th FA senior maintenance supervisor. "When they complete this and earn their buckle, they'll have something to be proud of."
Robinson spoke from experience having competed in a similar event with a previous unit where he earned his Ordnance Belt Buckle.
"Earning my buckle feels amazing," said Pvt. Jesus Magana, a generator mechanic from Modesto, Calif.
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