FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- 1st Sgt. Jarrid Collins, the senior enlisted advisor for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Warfare Medical Group (A), Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was awarded the MAJ. Gen. John K. Singlaub Award, Saturday, March 3, 2018.
Collins, a Special Forces Medic who was wounded in combat, is the second recipient of the Maj. Gen. Singlaub Award. The award was created in honor and recognition of Maj. Gen. John K. Singlaub's courageous actions on and off the battlefield.
Collins says he learned two valuable lessons that he continues to embody through the years in the Special Forces Qualification Course.
"My first and most memorable lessons learned in the "Q" course were: Every day is selection day," and, "Always leave things better than you received them."
Collins' nomination packet describes his contributions to Special Operations Forces during the last two years as truly embodying the physical bravery, visionary leadership, and strong intellect associated with this prestigious award. As a combat-wounded amputee and Special Forces Medic, Collins experienced firsthand the sacrifice and commitment Special Forces Soldiers make in defense of the Nation.
"I've not done enough; it is never enough," Collins said. "Until we can completely stop preventable death on the battlefield, there is always more to do."
"I've been very fortunate to have had a wide array of organizational experience, with some truly remarkable leaders and mentors -- these leaders empowered me to try and make a difference."
In 2015, Collins was hand-picked to serve in 1st Special Forces Command's Office of Special Warfare. He served as the principal lead for a working group to identify and resolve shortfall in support of austere missions.
Their summary and recommendations became the "Trans-regional Medical Network Strategy," serving as the catalyst to developing two medical care courses created by Collins; the Special Operations Forces Austere Care Course, and the Regional Support Medic Course. Collins is also credited with standing up the Non-Standard Medical Detachment within Office of Special Warfare that oversees SOFACC and RSM-C, and serves as the focal point for medical support to Special Forces Sensitive Activities and intragency support.
"My impact isn't mine, it is the result of truly remarkable teammates and SOF personnel working together to make a difference," Collins said. "I am grateful to have been afforded as many opportunities to make a difference as I've had. In reality, this award belongs every bit as much to my teammates as it does myself."
Collins offers words of advice to junior members of the Special Forces medical field.
"Be humble. We must earn our place at the table every day. Study, learn, earn, return, and train. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. You will fail, accept that. Don't dwell on it, rather let your failure develop your training plan."
"Train when it's too hot, or too cold. Train in the rain and snow. Train in the light and in the dark. Train until you're exhausted and then a little more. Our job will test you when you're hurt, cold, wet, and exhausted. It will press you to what you think your limits are, then it will show you where they really are," Collins said.
Despite his accomplishments, Collins recognizes the dedication of personnel, both past and present, who have contributed to the special operations community, saying: "I am both humbled and honored.
The Maj. Gen. Singlaub Award is presented annually to deserving recipients who exemplify the Army Special Operations Forces Next traits, the Army Special Operations Forces promise, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to bettering ARSOF.
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