Competition for top Soldier, NCO set to heat up    Chris Rasmussen      Leader Staff

Fort Jackson’s elite warriors will go head-to-head next week in a competition to determine the 2008 Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year. The three-day event, which begins Monday, will test the four previous Fort Jackson NCOs and Soldiers of the quarters from each training brigade and Initial Entry Training units assigned or attached to the post. “It helps us identify the best noncommissioned officers and Soldiers on the installation through a series of professionally conducted events measuring physical fitness, tactical and professional knowledge,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Carlson, post command sergeant major. “But it also elevates their capabilities by preparing for such an event.” This year’s event will consist of an Army Physical Fitness Test, rifle qualification, land navigation, warrior tasks, a 50-question written exam and a board appearance. Warrior tasks include deploying a Claymore Mine, performing an IV saline lock, maintaining an M-16, issuing a warning order and putting on NBC gear.  The 165th Infantry Brigade will host the event and is responsible for the planning, coordination, briefing and execution. “The competition really boosts morale and sets the NCOs and Soldiers up for success,” said event organizer 1st Sgt. Frederick Jackson, 1st Battalion, 34th Inf. Reg. first sergeant. “It is a great way for them to master their common skills.” The event will begin with the APFT and will be followed with rifle qualifications on Range 10. On Tuesday, participants will be tested on their warrior tasks and conduct day and night land navigation. A board appearance Wednesday in front of the post command sergeants major will cap off the competition. An awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of testing events to recognize winners. Winners will proceed to represent Fort Jackson in the 2008 U.S. Army Accessions Command NCO/SOY competition. In 2007, NCO of the Year was Sgt. Johnny Rodriguez, 193rd Inf. Bde.; Soldier of the Year was Staff Sgt. Brian Winters, 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception). Winters, as a specialist, moved on to become the U.S. Army Accessions Command Soldier of the Year and was the runner-up in the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Soldier of the Year competition. Chris.Rasmussen@conus.army.mil