Outlawz Compete in Leader's Reaction Course

By Pfc. Amy M. LaneJuly 19, 2010

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1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), makes a big splash as he attempts to cross a water obstacle on a rope recently at the Leader'... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), recently put their problem-solving skills to the test at the Leader's Reaction Course on Fort ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), attempt to deliver a metal drum across a water obstacle recently at the Leader's Reaction Cour... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) tries to figure out his team's next move at the Leader's Reaction Course at Fort Hood, Texas. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), drags an ammo can across the bar to get across a water obstacle at the Leader's Reaction Cour... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), use their ingenuity to move an ammo can across a water obstacle at the Leader’s Reaction Cours... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) recently put their problem-solving skills to the test at the Leader's Reaction Course for sergeant's time training.

"We wanted to break away from the standard training and have some fun," said Capt. Thomas Davis, the Outlawz company commander.

Each squad in the company was split up and the Soldiers were divided into teams. That enabled individuals to work with people they had never worked with before. Each team consisted of one noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldiers.

"Our Soldiers don't usually get to work with Soldiers from other sections," said Sgt. Shawn Wagner. "By putting their heads together and communicating, they proved that they can accomplish any challenge they approach."

Each team competed to complete as many obstacles as possible, with 16 obstacles available. The teams were placed at different starting points, and each team had a safety to observe and grade them.

The obstacles required both physical and mental strength to complete. Materials available to help the competitors overcome obstacles included: wood planks, steel poles, and different lengths of rope.

Soldiers also faced simulated casualties and had to carry ammo containers through the obstacles to increase the challenge involved. Penalty time delays were given when a teammate fell into the water or anyone touched an area that was painted red.

Teams competed to win the coveted Outlawz medal from the company commander. The winners were determined based on how many obstacles each team completed successfully.

(Spc. Joseph Thomas from the 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion contributed to this story)