FORT HOOD, Texas--Roughly 30 logisticians from the 589th Brigade Support Battalion and 575th Forward Support Company completed a grueling week-long competition to find out who is the best in their field, Aug. 8-12.
The Wolf Pack and Shadow Soldiers endured the Texas heat while conducting a mechanic challenge, unit convoy event with an early morning alert, LMTV rodeo course pulling a trailer, physical fitness test, in-ranks inspection, land navigation, drill and ceremony, six-mile ruck march, and a gunner skills test.
The Best-by Test is completed quarterly, and consists of different teams of Soldiers in each event working together.
The competition was fierce as Soldiers from every battery competed for the title. Pfc. Elsa Linares, a native of Riverside, Calif. and a track vehicle mechanic for 575th FSC, said she is competing to beat 589th FSB and that competition allows Soldiers work together.
"I maxed out my PT event and think we are doing well," said Linares. "Competition like these are good for us because we get to work together and everyone wants to do their best."
Soldiers plan their next event and calculate the possible points. The Soldiers show their motivation by working hard to win and work as a group to make the best scores possible.
Sgt. Betty Robinson, from Chicago, and a supply specialist for Company B, 589th FSB said that there has been excellent cohesion and participation from the whole battery.
"We are doing awesome and I am enjoying the healthy competition this test is providing," said Robinson. "Everyone is working hard to push themselves and get to the next level.
The Best-by Test gives Soldiers who work inside the office ato lead opportuntiy to work hands on with equipment, a chance to lead, and to work as a group with others they may not typically get to work with.
Cpt. John Maricevic, originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, commander, Company B, 589th FSB, says that the Best-by Test is a good exercise for the whole battalion.
"This competition is a great way to challenge Soldiers and is a great tool to use to get them motivated," said Maricevic.
As the points are being tallied, each team must wait patiently to find out who is the winner. The results will be remain unknown until the award ceremony which is scheduled for Aug. 19.
Social Sharing