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Capt. Alexander Alvarado, logistics an Human Resources Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Martin Rivera Sullivan, operations OC/T, both with Task Force WarHawg, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, complete the After Action Review lane, led by First Army Academy instructors assessing OC/T ability to provide feedback for training audience sustainment and improvement consideration, during the 5th AR Bde. Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition Feb. 10.
The 5th AR Bde. annual event held at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Alexander Alvarado, logistics an Human Resources Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Martin Rivera Sullivan, operations OC/T, both with Task Force WarHawg, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, complete the After Action Review lane, led by First Army Academy instructors assessing OC/T ability to provide feedback for training audience sustainment and improvement consideration, during the 5th AR Bde. Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition Feb. 10.
The 5th AR Bde. annual event held at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Col. Douglas Serie, 5th Armored Brigade commander, and Capt. Armando Zavala, brigade physician assistant OC/T, greet each other at the commencement of the Best Observer Controller/Trainer Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 10.
The 5th AR Bde. Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition is an annual event held at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Peyton M. Cavanaugh, Fire Support Operations Observer Controller/Trainer, with Task Force Kodiak, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, completes the After Action Review lane, led by First Army Academy instructors assessing OC/T ability to provide feedback for training audience sustainment and improvement consideration, during the 5th AR Bde. Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition Feb. 10.
The 5th AR Bde. annual event held at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Maj. Curtis Hubbard, 5th Armored BDE, TF Thunder, Executive Officer Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Nelson Acevedo, 5th Armored BDE, TF Thunder, Engineer Observer Controller Trainer, conduct the knowledge test portion of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 10. The written examination assesses their in-depth knowledge of tactical procedures, training methodologies, and military doctrine, often including scenarios and questions related to after-action reviews, land navigation, weapons systems, and leadership principles, to determine who possesses the highest level of expertise in training Soldiers.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
1st Lt. Faith Llewellyn, HHC Executive Officer Observer Controller/Trainer, turns in the knowledge test portion of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 10. The written examination assesses their in-depth knowledge of tactical procedures, training methodologies, and military doctrine, often including scenarios and questions related to after-action reviews, land navigation, weapons systems, and leadership principles, to determine who possesses the highest level of expertise in training Soldiers.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
1st Lt. Faith Llewellyn, HHC Executive Officer Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Rene Arana, 5th Armored BDE Signal OC/T, conduct the knowledge test portion of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 10. The written examination assesses their in-depth knowledge of tactical procedures, training methodologies, and military doctrine, often including scenarios and questions related to after-action reviews, land navigation, weapons systems, and leadership principles, to determine who possesses the highest level of expertise in training Soldiers.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL8 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Maj. Curtis Hubbard, Task Force Thunder Executive Officer Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Nelson Acevedo, Task Force Thunder, Engineer OC/T, conduct the night land navigation portion, starting with plotting points on a map during the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 11. The night land navigation challenges their knowledge of terrain maneuvers, through taking away their main tool, sight.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL9 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Maj.Curtis Hubbard, 5th Armored BDE, Task Force Thunder Executive Officer Controller/Trainer, surveys the landscape around him to help locate his next point during the land navigation portion, starting with plotting points on a map during the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 11. The land navigation test assesses their knowledge of terrain maneuvers, grid plotting, and team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL10 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Stg. 1st Class Michael Perkins, 5th Armored BDE, Task Force Stallion, Mortar Observer Controller/Trainer, uses a compass to find his next point on a map during the land navigation portion, starting with plotting points on a map during the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 11. The land navigation test assesses their knowledge of terrain maneuvers, grid plotting, and team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL11 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Armando Zavala, brigade physician assistant, Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Jose Sifuentes, signal OC/T, both with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Armored Brigade, conduct the land navigation portion, starting with plotting points on a map during the 5th AR Bde. Best OC/T competition Feb. 11. The land navigation test assesses their knowledge of terrain maneuvers, grid plotting, and team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL12 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Gabriel E. Loyola Hernandez, support operations Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Ronricus C. Pickett, operations OC/T, both with 1-361st Brigade Support Battalion, send a message that requests artillery or mortar fire on a target during the call for fire lane portion of the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. The call for fire is sent by an observer and received by the Fire Direction Center. The FDC then determines the firing data and sends fire commands to the units that will fire the rounds. The Best OC/T Competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL13 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Charles B. Atkins, Infantryman Observer Controller/Trainer, and Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Perkins, Mortar OC/T, both with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, move a simulated casualty to the tactical field care portion of the casualty evacuation lane during the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. TFC ia a medical treatment protocol designed for providing emergency care to casualties in combat or other hostile environments. The Best OC/T Competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL14 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Peyton M. Cavanaugh, Fire Support Operations Observer Controller/Trainer with 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, completes the tactical field care portion of the casualty evacuation lane during the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. TFC ia a medical treatment protocol designed for providing emergency care to casualties in combat or other hostile environments. The Best OC/T Competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL15 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Charles B. Atkins, Infantryman Observer Controller/Trainer, and Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Perkins, Mortar OC/T, both with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, complete the tactical field care portion of the casualty evacuation lane during the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. TFC ia a medical treatment protocol designed for providing emergency care to casualties in combat or other hostile environments. The Best OC/T Competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL16 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
1st Lt. Faith A. Llewellyn, executive officer, Observer Controller/Trainer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Armored Brigade, completes the hand-release push-up portion of the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment during the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. The Competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL17 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Staff Sgt. Nelson Acevedo, combat engineer Observer Controller/Trainer with 3rd Battalion, 310th Engineer Regiment, engages targets during the Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) lane during the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. MOUT Training scenarios include clearing rooms and buildings, House-to-house searches, distinguishing between civilians and insurgents, traveling in convoys, and encountering role players as civilians or opposing forces. The competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL18 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Staff Sgt. Rene A. Arana, communications Observer Controller/Trainer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Armored Brigade, completes the two-mile run portion of the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment during the 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 11. The Competition is an annual event Feb. 10-13 that identifies the best Dagger Brigade officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL19 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Staff Sgt. Rene Arana, HHC 5th Armored BDE, Signal OC/T, assembles parts to an OE-254 antenna as part of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 12. The OE-254 lane is assessed by a grader who acknowledges their speed and accuracy while also following instructions as well as their team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL20 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Payton Cavanaugh, 5th Armored BDE, Task Force Kodiak, Fire Support Operations Observer Controller/Trainer, and Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Rios, Task Force Kodiak, Senior Field Artillery OC/T, assemble parts to an OE-254 antenna as part of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 12. The OE-254 lane is assessed by a grader who acknowledges their speed and accuracy while also following instructions as well as their team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL21 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Charles Atkins, 5th Armored BDE, Task Force Stallion, Infantryman Observer Controller/Trainer, and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Perkins, Task Force Stallion, Mortar OC/T, assemble parts to an OE-254 antenna as part of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 12. The OE-254 lane is assessed by a grader who acknowledges their speed and accuracy while also following instructions as well as their team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL22 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Staff Sgt. Nelson Acevedo, 5th Armored BDE, Task Force Thunder, Engineer Observer Controller/Trainer, secures a rope to anchor an OE-254 antenna to the ground as part of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 12. The OE-254 lane is assessed by a grader who acknowledges their speed and accuracy while also following instructions as well as their team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL23 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Staff Sgt. Jose Sifuentes, HHC 5th Armored Brigade, Unit Armorer OC/T, holds an OE-254 antenna up while his teammate, Capt. Armando Zavala, HHC Brigade Physician Assistant Observer Controller/Trainer anchors the antenna to the ground using a rope as part of the 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T competition Feb. 12. The OE-254 lane is assessed by a grader who acknowledges their speed and accuracy while also following instructions as well as their team cooperation.
The 5th AR BDE Best OC/T competition sought out to challenge the best-of-the-best OC/T officer and enlisted Soldiers across the command in a series of tactical events and tasks to advance on to the First Army Division West competition and take home the title of best OC/T. First Army OC/Ts are experts in training, advising, and coaching to deliver trained and ready formations to the Army Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: Spc. Maximilian Weaver)VIEW ORIGINAL24 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Staff Sgt. Jose Sifuentes, unit armorer Observer Controller/Trainer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Armored Brigade, assembles four different weapons systems from an assorted box of components during the Gen. Omar N. Bradley 5th AR Bde. Best Observer Controller/Trainer Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 12. The annual 5th AR Bde. Best OC/T Competition held Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T across the Dagger Brigade to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL25 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Charles B. Atkins, infantryman Observer Controller/Trainer, and Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Perkins, mortar OC/T, both with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, warm up between Gen. Omar N. Bradley 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T Competition events at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 12. The annual 5th AR Bde. Best OC/T Competition held Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T across the Dagger Brigade to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL26 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
1st Lt. Faith Llewellyn, executive officer, Observer Controller/Trainer, and Staff Sgt. Rene A. Arana, signal OC/T, both with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Armored Brigade, complete a six-mile timed ruck march between events during the Gen. Omar N. Bradley 5th AR Bde. OC/T Competition at McGregor Range Feb. 12. The annual 5th AR Bde. Best OC/T Competition held Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T across the Dagger Brigade to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL27 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Capt. Charles B. Atkins, infantryman Observer Controller/Trainer with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, overcomes wall barriers during the 10-event obstacle, Gen. Omar N. Bradley 5th Armored Brigade Best Observer Controller/Trainer at McGregor Range Feb. 12. The annual 5th AR Bde. Best OC/T Competition held Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T across the Dagger Brigade to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL28 / 28Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Perkins, mortar Observer Controller/Trainer with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, climbs a wall during the timed 10-event obstacle course portion of the Gen. Omar N. Bradley 5th Armored Brigade Best OC/T Competition at McGregor Range, New Mexico Feb. 12. The 5th AR Bde. annual event held Feb. 10-13 identifies the best officer and noncommissioned officer OC/T throughout the brigade to move onto the First Army Division West Competition April 2025.
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)VIEW ORIGINAL
MCGREGOR RANGE, New Mexico – The 5th Armored Brigade Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best Observer Controller/Trainer (OC/T) Competition featured eight teams tested in various events that assessed their physical readiness, marksmanship, tactical knowledge, and leadership skills Feb. 10-13.
The competition highlighted the critical role OC/Ts play preparing partner U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard units for deployments.
“The Dagger Brigade Best OC/T Competition embodies the Army's unyielding pursuit of excellence, showcasing expertise and fostering a competitive spirit,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Malquer A. Manzueta-Ramirez, senior enlisted advisor, 5th AR BDE. “Our competitors, responsible for mobilizing and demobilizing more than 16,000 Component two and three Soldiers each year, will demonstrate their exceptional skills and knowledge. As the best in their respective organizations, they will be evaluated on their mastery of doctrine and regulations, as well as their ability to apply their understanding of mission objectives.”
The Best OC/T Competition reflects the U.S. Army Forces Command’s priority to Win as a balanced Total Army.
“Our objective is clear: to promote excellence, recognize outstanding expertise, enhance organizational lethality, and showcase the best of what our organization has to offer,” Manzueta added.
The four-day competition tested participants across a range of events, from land navigation and situational lanes to obstacle courses and knowledge tests.
"The train-up for the competition was very professional," said Capt. Charles B. Atkins, infantryman OC/T with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment. "Cadre were invested in making sure we were not only ready for the competition, but also that we learned something. For example, I learned how to set up an OE-254, ground based communications antenna, which isn't every day that an officer gets to do that."
Competition challenges assessed the depth of knowledge required to be an effective OC/T, equipped to train Soldiers in the latest technical knowledge and techniques.
"It's beneficial to be a well-rounded OC/T because you don't always know what the training unit's skill sets are and can resource from the knowledge acquired during competition like these," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Perkins, mortar OC/T, with 3-362nd Infantry Regiment. "It's important to not only be good at your military job, but also possess a broad range of skills, knowledge, and experiences, demonstrating adaptability and versatility to better prepare training units for deployment."
The competition concluded with Atkins, an Alberene, Virginia native and Perkins, a Montclair, California native, both assigned to, 3-362nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Bde. at Fort Bliss, Texas, claiming first place, being awarded the Army Commendation Medal, and taking home the trophy.
"I am truly proud of every last one of the competitors," said Col. Douglas F. Serie, 5th AR Bde. commander. "Competitors are doing what 98% of their peers won't do. Their success was a testament of their abilities, never-quit attitude, and teamwork."
Atkins and Perkins will go on to represent the 5th Armored Brigade in the First Army Division West Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OC/T Competition April 2025.
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