FORT HOOD, Texas-- Soldiers from 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade Rear Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division, have had a busy month of training but nothing as pressing as the Junior Soldier Development Training competition that occurred Aug. 16-19, 2011 here at Fort Hood, Texas.
The four day competition pushed the Soldiers to their limits both mentally and physically.
"This was actually like the pilot program for this training," said 2nd Lt. Glenn R. Gardner, the brigade plans, operations and training assistant officer in charge, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade rear detachment. "This training was the first of its kind here on rear detachment."
"The reason for this training was to get the Soldiers involved here on rear detachment and actually give them a chance to get involved in some hands on training. To help build and better their skills at team working and provide professional development," said Gardner.
Day one was a day of classroom instruction given by five speakers.
"The classroom instruction was to give the Soldiers some general guidelines and outlines for what was expected of them as a member of the Black Jack family," said Gardner.
Day two consisted of a physical training challenge and obstacle course at the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Veterans Field.
"The PT challenge was very hard," said Private 1st Class Miguel A. Inostroza, a cavalry scout assigned to 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade rear detachment. "The PT challenge lived up to its name."
"It's where you actually see that you have heart and determination. You learn not to give up because the biggest fight is the one inside yourself to push through for the team. You all have to finish together," said Inostroza
"The physical training test and obstacle course was definitely there to help build their teamwork skills," said Gardner.
Day three was a team building and problem solving event held at the Leadership Reaction Course where squads had to work together to pass obstacles that were meant to test their physical and mental strength.
"LRC was really a chance for the individual squadleader to get a chance to get a feel for their leadership style and specific things they need to work on such as communicating, physical presence, creative thinking on how to overcome the obstacle and planning in general," said Gardner.
"It wasn't only physical but a mental game trying to figure out each obstacle as a team," said Inostroza. "It promoted a lot of team work and leadership."
"This training builds you in every way possible. Mentally, physically and the determination to accomplish the mission no matter what stands in the way," said Inostroza.
Day four was the awards ceremony where each member of the winning squad and the emergent leader were rewarded with a Certificate of Achievement.
The winning squad members were Private 2nd Class Lewis A. Stansbury from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Spc. Bennett J. Anderson from 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, Private 1st Class Matthew S. Green from 2nd Special Troops Battalion, Private 2nd Class Troy A. Hastings from 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, Spc. Torey L. Nelson from 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, Private 1st Class Victor E. Sevilla from 15th Brigade Support Battalion, Spc. David L. Kooser from 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment and Spc. Joseph T. Webb from 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery.
The emergent leader award was given to Private 1st Class Miguel A. Inostroza of 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment.
A Certificate of Appreciation was also given to Dr. Gary Honaker, a retired Army veteran and the guest speaker during the classroom instruction on day one.
"I would say this training was a huge success," said Gardner.
"I think the Soldiers really enjoyed getting out and doing some training. A lot of them expressed that they got a lot out of it so when you get feedback like that you know it's a good program and something to build off of," said Gardner.
"The training truly brings the brigade together. Even though you belong to a certain unit, at the end of the day we all belong to 2nd Brigade. You belong to "Black Jack". That's what everyone showed out there. No matter what unit you're from, they're still family," said Inostroza.
Gardner said that in the future he could see this program growing along with adding more events.
"I loved it and I would do it again given the chance," said Inostroza. "Send me again!"
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