02/27/2021 4th ESC 2021 Best Warrior

Credit: Maj. William Wratee | Date Taken: 02/27/2021
DAY ONE of the competition was all about weapons. Soldiers shot the M4, 17 Sig, 240B, 249, and 320L and the AT4. On DAY TWO 4th ESC 2021 competitors completed the Camp Bullis Obstacle Course, Land Navigation, and the Shoot House. The Shoot House is an 8 room, single story, 360° structure, used to train tactical movement, engagement of targets, breaches, and target discrimination in an urban environment. On Day Three competitors were challenged physically and mentally. Competitors were administered the ACFT. Afterwards they completed the Camp Bullis Hand Grenade Course and Litter Obstacle Course. These events were followed by Pugile Stick Fights and Night Land Navigation. On DAY FOUR competitors worked as teams. They completed the Leaders Reaction Course and the 10 Army Basic Warrior Task stations. The Leaders Reaction Course is a series of artificial problem sets constructed in a field environment. Afterward, the cadre administered competitors a map reading test. And on the LAST DAY, competitors began the day with a 12-mile ruck march. One hour later, they reported in their Army Service Uniform to the board’s Presidents -Command Sgt. Maj. James Hopkins and Brig. Gen. Joseph Marsiglia, commanding general of Medical Readiness Training Command. The last event of the competition was an awards ceremony hosted by Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, commanding general of the 4th ESC, and Brig. Gen. Joseph Marsiglia. Specialist Edgar Gutierrez of the 319th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (211th Regional Support Group) won the “Soldier of the Year” category. Sgt. David Barton of the 327th Transportation Detachment (90th Sustainment Brigade) won the “Noncommissioned Officer of the Year” Category. Chief Warrant Officer Two Thomas Downer of the 4th ESC Headquarters Company won the “Officer of the Year” category. Overseen by Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Lopes , the 2021 competition took place at Camp Bullis, Texas. The finalists, proved themselves during brigade competitions throughout the year and before they competed for the title 4th ESC 2021 Best Warrior.