Wagonmaster soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade (1CDSB) participated in the Phillip A. Connelly competition for proficiency in providing food service in the field using the containerized kitchen on Fort Hood, April 6.
Several companies within the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade rotated to the field training area for breakfast and lunch as judges graded the food service specialists on their performance.
"Training exercises like this allow the soldiers to become proficient in their job and compete to be the best in food service outside the garrison operation," said Sgt. 1st Class Derek Roseman, dining facility manager, 1CDSB. "There were seven soldiers out here this year, and it was everyone's first Phillip A. Connelly evaluation. The team did a great job."
The soldiers were graded on the entire spectrum of operations for providing food to soldiers in the field, including proper setup of the equipment, preparation of the food, sanitation and safety.
The young soldiers being judged on their performance valued the experience and knowledge they received from practicing this aspect of their craft in a realistic, hands-on scenario.
"This training was hard work and exhausting, but I think we all learned a lot, and that's what's important," said Pfc. Vicki Scott, culinary arts specialist, 1CDSB. "We put in some long hours, but this is training we don't get to do every day."
The Phillip A. Connelly competition grades all participating units' dining facilities annually in different categories. This competition, testing proficiency of food service in field operations, will eventually declare a winning unit for Fort Hood who will compete with other units from installations throughout the country until a winner is declared as the best in the entire Department of the Army.
"It's important that we practice this safely and efficiently because you never know what kind of situation we might be put in where people are depending on us," said Scott. "Winning the competition would just be a bonus. Will just be a bonus."
Social Sharing