FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Several 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers tested their Soldier skills June 25 and 26 during the annual Truck and Equipment Operator Rodeo.
The vehicle rodeo, which was one of several events taking place during Mountainfest, was organized by the 543rd Quartermaster Company, 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade. The event was open to all Fort Drum Soldiers.
According to 1st Lt. Lester Corey Whitacre, a platoon leader from 543rd Quartermaster Company and officer in charge of the event, 14 teams participated. Each team consisted of four Soldiers: three drivers and a ground guide.
"I wish we could have had more teams out here for this; the Soldiers, including myself, have learned a lot about all the vehicles," he said. "This was more than a competition; it was an invaluable training tool for us as well."
The competition required the teams to complete four stages: a written examination, layout of proper safety gear, vehicle preventative maintenance checks and service, or PMCS, and a driving challenge.
The written part of the competition tested Soldiers' knowledge of military vehicles and New York driving laws. After the test, the Soldiers had to perform a PMCS on their assigned vehicle in accordance to the Army technical manual. Once the vehicle's PMCS was up to standard, the driver prepared to navigate an obstacle course.
Drivers and ground guides faced 10 challenges during the obstacle course. Challenges included parallel parking, diminishing clearing and a narrowing straight line drive.
The teams had to complete each obstacle as quickly, accurately and safely as possible. Teams were penalized for each cone hit or boundary line crossed.
"It was exciting to get all these teams from the division here and compete against the best of the best," said Pfc. Mikeya Jordan, a driver assigned to 543rd Quartermaster Company. "I was nervous and excited at the same time."
Jordan, a supply specialist, drove the M-1088 tractor truck, which is designed for hauling large equipment. The M-1088, or bobtail, was the largest vehicle in the event.
All of the teams showed professionalism and skill in completing the tasks but only one team could emerge as the victor: F Company, 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, won first place; 543rd Quartermaster Company, finished second; and A Company, 210th BSB, claimed third.
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