When Soldiers ask why I competed in the Best First Sergeant competition at this year's I Corps Best Warrior competition, the answer is always the same.
First, competition breeds excellence and gave me a goal to set my sights on. I tell them that in everything we do, we have to have a goal because if we don't we are sitting still -- going day in and day out without a task and purpose.
Second, I wanted to be an example for my Soldiers. It's hard for anyone to motivate their Soldiers to do something if they aren't willing to do it themselves.
After hearing about the competition, my battalion command sergeant major at the 504th Military Police Battalion had two of his first sergeants in mind. I put my packet together and submitted it through the S3 channels.
My assumption was that this competition would be an oral board and packet review. A couple of weeks later, I received an email containing the packing list and schedule of events.
I was excited to find out my name was selected to represent the 42nd Military Police Brigade, and to also find out we were going through the same physical gambit that the Soldier/Noncommissioned Officer of Year competitors were going through.
Once the competition started, our group of first sergeants quickly bonded. There was no "I'm the best first sergeant, don't talk to me" mentality in the group. We shared stories of things we had to deal with and were always supportive of each other in every event.
The competition itself was very challenging, but none of the events were difficult by themselves. The rapid succession of events is what made it all miserably fun. We had to push ourselves to be competitive while trying to conserve energy to finish.
As a senior NCO, it was awesome to "embrace the suck" with the junior competitors. The old Soldiers motivated the younger Soldiers and NCOs just by being there.
One day, these Warriors will take my place, and from talking with the Soldiers and NCOs during this competition, I know the Army of the future is in good hands.
The best thing I received from winning the competition has been seeing my Soldiers walking around a little bit taller, knowing their first sergeant represented the organization and won. And already, I am seeing Soldiers more excited to compete at the next battalion board.
For me, that makes it even more worth every obstacle, task and grueling mile.
Related Links:
Official Facebook Page of 42nd Military Police Brigade
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