WIESBADEN, Germany -- One U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden non-commissioned officer was recently named the best NCO in Installation Management Command after four days of rigorous competition.
Following his win at the IMCOM-Europe level, Staff Sgt. Brendan Hagens, USAG Wiesbaden Directorate of Emergency Services, faced off against the best IMCOM had to offer during the NCO of the Year competition May 2-5 at Camp Bullis, Texas.
"After now completing the competition I feel honored and humbled to have won," Hagens said. "Being physically and mentally tough, resilient and honing warrior tasks and drills is what Soldiers must be in the complex environment we operate in to fight and win the nation's wars. Everyone at the competition represented their commands with the utmost professionalism and dedication upholding the Army values."
Col. Todd Fish, USAG Wiesbaden commander, took time at the recent length of service ceremony, to congratulate Hagens.
"He went through a rigorous competition, taking it all the way through the levels to IMCOM headquarters and took NCO of the Year, which, I tell you what, that is no small feat," Fish said.
The Best Warrior competition's purpose is to promote morale and unit cohesion, and is part of the process to select the best-qualified NCO and Soldier to represent IMCOM at the Army-level Best Warrior competition.
Each participant competed in three days of field events, followed by a board. The events included the Army Physical Fitness Test, 12-mile ruck march, an obstacle course, day and night land navigation, and a situational training exercise.
The board was a panel of IMCOM sergeants major, who scrutinized each NCO's and Soldier's record, military bearing, appearance and knowledge of Army history, regulations and current events. The events were continuous and the competitors had little time for sleep.
"The competition is more about competing against yourself than each other," said IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Hartless. "It's learning what your weaknesses are and capitalizing on your strengths. It's becoming a better Soldier. Having a never quit attitude in all that you do, training, life issues and in combat. I'm proud of each of the competitors and looking forward to the next phase."
Hagens studied and prepared for the competition while completing his normal duties and attending college classes. He attributes his success so far partially to his leadership, who helped ensure he had time to train.
"I competed to challenge myself and better hone the basic warrior tasks/drills that I do not regularly train on," Hagens said. "Once actually being at the competition, I knew what I had to accomplish so I focused on those objectives, while getting to meet new Soldiers and have a great time."
Those competing in the event were well-trained and persevered in every environment according to Hartless.
"Nobody quit, no matter how hard it was … and they made it through it" said Hartless. "The Best Warrior Competition recognize Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army values, embody the warrior ethos and represent the Army of the future."
The IMCOM winners were announced at an awards ceremony May 6 at the Fort Sam Houston Theater. Hagens was not surprised when the announcement was made.
"I anticipated [winning] it because I worked hard and was confident in my ability," said Hagens. "I looked at it with the mentality that this was training for the next event. I had already had it in the bag and had fun while doing it."
At the award ceremony, IMCOM Commanding General Lt. Gen. Kenneth Dahl gave advice to the Soldiers and gave them a message to take home.
"We need to expect a lot from you," said Dahl. "We expect you to be rugged, we expect you to be Spartan, and expect you to thrive in austere environments."
You should not expect to handled too softly by your leaders," he continued, "you have to be rugged. This is not a game."
The other IMCOM Soldiers competing were: Pvt. 1st Class Mercedes Nearing from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the Pacific Region Soldier of the Year; Spc. Tyler Nelson from U.S. Army Garrison West Point, New York, the Atlantic Region Soldier of the Year; Sgt. Jason Garrison from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the Pacific Region NCO of the Year; and Staff Sgt. David White from Fort Bliss, Texas, the Central Region NCO of the Year.
Hagens will move on to the U.S. Army Cyber Best Warrior competition later this year. The winner of ARCYBER will compete at the Army-level Best Warrior Competition.
Sgt. Derrick Adams from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pflaz was named the IMCOM Soldier of the Year. This is the second year in a row that Europe Region has taken top honors at the IMCOM Best Warrior Competition.
(Note: this is a localized version of a story written by Jade Fulce, IMCOM, found at www.army.mil/article/167677).
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