FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Competitors have assembled at Fort Leonard Wood and are preparing to kick off the Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah W. Johnson Best Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Warrior Competition May 30.
According to Col. Alexander Lovasz, U.S. Army CBRN School commandant, the competition will simultaneously test competitors’ technical proficiency and physical fitness.
“The (Best CBRN Warrior Competition) will put those skills to the test inside of 74 hours of physically and mentally demanding events to see who can deliver under pressure. The Best CBRN Warrior is the team that can do it in all conditions, in all places, at all times,” Lovasz said.
During the four-day competition, 40 CBRN professionals, in 20 teams of two, will be tested on technical and tactical CBRN tasks, ranging from land navigation and Soldier skills to written exams, site characterization and decontamination techniques.
“I absolutely love seeing young people dig in and work hard. They may be the ones here, but countless others at their home units helped them train up for this competition. This type of competition brings out the best in all involved,” Lovasz said.
This year’s competitors come from the Army, Army Reserve, Air Force, Marine Corps and the United Kingdom’s Defence CBRN Centre.
According to USACBRNS Command Sgt. Maj. David Henderson, the only requirement for CBRN professionals to compete is to be in Career Management Field 74 — CBRN, “or the equivalent from our sister services and international participants.”
Due to the sensitive nature of CBRN operations, most of the competition is not spectator friendly, but organizers have created an opportunity for the public to see the competitors in action.
The competition’s nonstandard physical fitness test is scheduled to be held off-post, a first for this competition, at 6:30 p.m., May 30 in Waynesville’s Roubidoux Park.
“The nonstandard fitness test is a great opportunity for spectators to witness the intensity and skill involved in CBRN operations,” said Master Sgt. Darnel Chestnut, USACBRNS Directorate of Training and Leader Development.
Henderson said the competition’s culminating event is also designed to be spectator friendly, but only for those with post access. It is set for 8 a.m., June 2 on Gammon Field.
Winners are scheduled to be announced during the Regimental Honors Ceremony at 3 p.m., June 2 in Baker Theater.
Henderson, who competed in the first CBRN competition 20 years ago when it was known as the Dragon’s Peak Competition, has some advice for this year’s competitors.
“My advice is for all competitors to rely on their training, rely on the Warrior Ethos and give everything they can so that they can perform the best in each event,” Henderson said.
Chestnut, also a competition alumni, echoed that guidance.
“My advice to competitors would be to focus on teamwork, attention to detail and staying calm under pressure. Success in the BCWC comes down to preparation and adaptability,” Chestnut said. “I’d just like to highlight the camaraderie and spirit of this competition. It’s not only about winning but also about learning, improving and honoring the dedication of every competitor.”
For more information, visit the U.S. Army CBRN School Facebook page.
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