GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The competition was fierce among the 11 Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from garrisons throughout Installation Management Command Europe as each vied for the titles of IMCOM Europe 2011 Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year.
The three-day battle tested each participant physically and mentally with grueling athletic events and intellectually stimulating written and verbal tests.
The competition commenced May 2 with an Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by marksmanship evaluation at the firing range and weapons maintenance. The day ended in hand-to-hand combat as Soldiers and NCOs tested their physical stamina during the brutal combatives tournament.
"Combatives were challenging," said Spc. Cara Bennett, U.S. Army Garrison Livorno, one of three females competing this year. "But overall (the female competitors) have proven we can do the same tasks as the males, just as well."
Spc. Ryan Jones, who represented U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Wuerttemberg, agreed.
"The competition is tough for everyone," said Jones. "It's hard work and long days, but everyone remains competitive."
Day two began at 4:30 a.m. in the chilly Bavarian air with a 12-mile foot march. Competitors lugged 35-pound rucksacks on their backs, along with approximately 20 pounds of additional gear, including water, a rifle and Interceptor Body Armor as they plodded through the Grafenwoehr Training Area.
Sgt. Jacob Brewster, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, crossed the finish line first in two hours and 27 minutes.
"This is just one event, but I feel good about where I am in the competition," said Brewster. "Seeing the whole competition and knowing what the other competitors can do keeps you on your toes. I'll just continue to do the best I can in every event."
Later that day, competitors plunged into the land navigation course. Armed with a compass and map, they raced through the course and honed their warrior tasks and drills skills including administering first aid, radio communications, interacting with the media, and nuclear, biological and chemical equipment exercises.
The final day proved the toughest for each Soldier and NCO. Making sure their Army service uniforms were impeccable, each stood before the selection board, which consisted of eight senior enlisted leaders. Competitors were then asked a wide array of questions ranging from uniform regulations and Army polices to current events.
Each participant trained and prepared tirelessly for the competition with help from their sponsor and chain of command at their installation prior to the event.
"I'm a little nervous about going in front of the board," said Pfc. Shaquanna Taylor, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. "But I prepared for this, I feel confident that I'm a strong competitor."
"Training is key in a competition this competitive," said Spc. Jonathan Melendez, USAG Schinnen. "You have to be mentally strong and prepare your body physically for the tasks at hand."
As the competition ended, there was no shortage of confidence as each participant imagined taking home the title.
"Being in this competition already distinguishes me amongst my peers," said Melendez. "I've pushed myself throughout and often found myself on top. I have a good chance."
"Everyone wants to be that top Soldier," added Taylor. "But I've given 100 percent and I could win this."
Sgt. Judy Oman, U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr, agreed.
"It's a close competition," said Oman. "But I feel confident in what I've done."
The IMCOM Europe 2011 Soldier of the Year and 2011 NCO of the Year will be announced May 12 in Heidelberg, Germany.
Social Sharing