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As the sun beats down, Soldiers carrying 40-pound rucksacks push through a grueling 12-mile foot march to vie for the top spot in the 409th Contracting Support Brigade’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Competition.
Participants, sponsors, facilitators and cadre came from across Europe to compete and support the event held here recently.
“This competition was not designed to be easy. It was designed to put our Soldiers through the various rigors of combat simulation. It takes a Soldier with a certain type of courage to enter this competition,” said Master Sgt. Sandra Williams, the noncommissioned officer in charge at the 409th CSB.
Held over a three-day period, Soldiers competed in events that included urban orienteering, a formal board, an essay, rifle marksmanship and a 12-mile road march, among other events.
The competitors were evaluated on their knowledge of several subject areas as well as their uniforms, appearances and military bearing.
Taking the first place prize was Staff Sgt. Matthew Shults, a contracting specialist with the 903rd Contingency Contracting Battalion’s 627th Contingency Contracting Team.
Sergeant Shults will move forward to compete at the Expeditionary Contracting Command level at Camp Bullis in San Antonio.
“This competition tested me mentally, physically and emotionally. I would recommend this challenge to any Soldier wanting to challenge him or herself,” Sergeant Shults said. “The cadre doesn’t make it easy, however, once you cross the finish line you are able to rest assured that you have completed something really big.”
