FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The 2nd Brigade Combat Team hosted its first Best Medic Competition here Sept. 27.
The competition was open to medics from 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment; 210th Brigade Support Battalion; 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment; 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment; and 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment.
Teams of four competed in a two-day series of events that tested their medical knowledge, agility and ability to perform medical objectives without causing further harm to casualties.
The events included a five-mile run with medical tasks along the route, a confidence obstacle course, an eight-mile road march with medical tasks, a 100-question test based on Army standards for the combat medic military occupational specialty, a litter carry with a casualty obstacle course with medical objectives and a 10-patient mass casualty situation.
"All events were graded by senior medics … in accordance with Army standards and doctrine," said Capt. Scott Bostic, brigade medical planner and officer in charge of planning the competition.
"We will be able to use this competition to help our focus and resource our training," Bostic said. "The event overall was a success. We received a lot of feedback on our medics' strengths and weaknesses."
"This competition has been a great experience," said Spc. Christopher Pate, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1-89 Cavalry, leader for his team. "I've never had the opportunity to be the triage NCO for a mass casualty (exercise). It was a lot more difficult than I expected."
The winning team represented HHC, 4-31 Infantry.
Col. Dennis S. Sullivan, 2nd BCT commander, presented the Army Commendation Medal to Cpl. Curtis M. Pippin, team leader, and the Army Achievement Medal to Spc. Patrick M. McCormack, Pfc. Lincoln D. Daugherty and Pfc. Metogbe K. Ahouelete.
In addition, each of the team members received a coin from Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Jones, brigade senior enlisted adviser.
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