CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. -- Uncertainty and surprise defined the 2016 U.S. Army Materiel Command Best Warrior Competition, so it was only fitting that the biggest revelation would come at the end of the event that ran July 7-9.
Twelve competitors packed their boots and uniforms - ripe with the intensity of a grueling three-day competition - without knowing who earned the titles of AMC Soldier and Non-commissioned officer of the year.
AMC Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Sims said delaying the announcement until later this summer keeps the spirit of suspense while elevating the honor to a four-star presentation later this summer.
"We're training and developing warrior leaders," Sims said. "They've faced tough challenges and pushed through personal obstacles. I look forward to recognizing all of them when we bring them back together to name the winners."
Competitors noted the ambiguity of this year's contest posed a challenge beyond the usual rigors of such an event. Over the course of three days they trekked nearly 30 miles in full combat gear, tackled 28 tasks and fired six different weapons.
Hot, humid weather and a rainstorm that soaked most competitors to the core added an extra dimension for those who were already tired, sore and hungry.
"It really kept us on our toes," said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Scheu, assigned to the 902nd Contract Support Battalion at Joint Base Lewis McChord. "I thought it was tough."
The competition opened up with an evening physical fitness test, after Soldiers enjoyed their first meal in the Camp Atterbury Dining Facility.
"Doing PT after eating chow -- that was the best PT ever," joked Sgt. Henrique Moskalenko, assigned to the 598th Transportation Brigade in Sembach, Germany. "The schedule was intense. It was a good competition and it was also good training."
Competitors traversed a land navigation course before Friday's sunrise, then fired weapons from a .9 mm pistol to a .50 caliber machine gun. A stress-shoot training event had Soldiers working in pairs to reach their objective under indirect fire before encountering casualties, requiring them to call for MEDEVAC while they pulled a mock victim to safety.
When it looked like the day might be over, the competitors were instructed to trade their dirty uniforms for Army Service Uniforms and prepare to face a board of command sergeants major.
Saturday's schedule was equally taxing, beginning with a 12-mile ruck march that ended with an improvised explosive device scenario pushing competitors near a gas chamber. Soldiers donned protective gear, testing the seals on their gas masks during a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives event.
A confidence course and a practical test of Soldiers' combatives knowledge rounded out the day.
While each competitor was contending for the win, many also considered the event a contest with themselves.
For Staff Sgt. Robert Keifer, assigned to the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (Natick Labs), the competition provided an opportunity to get back to his infantry roots.
"I like challenging myself," Keifer said. "I like finding out what areas are weak for me and where I need improvement."
The top Soldier and non-commissioned officer will be named at an upcoming event at Redstone Arsenal and participate in the Army Best Warrior Competition Sep. 26-Oct. 3, at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.
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