DVIDS – News – Building bonds and testing boundaries: Best Warrior Competition strengthens NATO partnership in MKAB

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania – Ten teams representing various rotational units and NATO partners currently stationed at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MKAB), Romania, competed in the rotation’s Best Warrior Competition held Aug. 19-22.

“This is the second edition of the Best Warrior of the Rotation competition that we have conducted here in Romania,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Ronis J. Gutierrez, the senior noncommissioned officer in charge of U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea. “The main reason we do this is to build relationships with the host nation, our NATO allies and international partners. It is an opportunity for the Soldiers on the ground to compete, interact with each other and challenge themselves in a friendly manner to see what they are capable of.”

The competition lasted three days and consisted of eight events, with the finale being a mystery event. The first day began with the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), followed by a medical and radio broadcast event where competitors performed all the steps of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) in an austere environment and culminated with a 9-line medical evacuation request. The day concluded with an M4 qualification in the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST).

The second day began with a 10-mile march, followed by an obstacle course in the morning and a weapons test in the afternoon. Participants disassembled and reassembled a weapon and performed a functional test, then were interviewed by a panel of senior noncommissioned officers.

On the third day there was a surprise event which turned out to be a fitness challenge and consisted of medicine ball wall throws, box jumps, rowing and burpees.

“I found out about this competition through my command team,” said Sergeant 1st Class Ebony Dale, a human resources specialist with the 317th Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). “My sergeant major wanted me to participate and at first I thought he was joking. But later I received an email with the concept of the event and decided to accept. My favorite part of the competition was the obstacle course because I didn’t think I could complete it. But surprisingly, I did! I prepared for the competition by staying physically and mentally fit.”

In addition to the teams representing the United States, three international teams were also present, two from Romania and one from Spain.

“I decided to participate because I think it’s a great idea to come together, share our knowledge and cultures and have a good time,” said Spanish Military Corps David Ramirez Alzamora, a force protection specialist assigned to the Air Deployment Support Squadron (EADA SPAF).

After three grueling days of long hours, physical challenges and many bruises, the winning team was announced during the closing ceremony Aug. 22 at MKAB. Staff Sgt. Zacharia Promitas was named Best Noncommissioned Officer and Senior Airman Daniel Shultz was named Best Noncommissioned Officer. Both were Airmen and specialists assigned to the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and the 4th Air Support Operations Squadron.
“We didn’t expect to win, but we were confident,” said Promitas. “To win, you always have to be ready because a lot of people only find out about it at the last minute, but if you stay ready, you can win.”

At the end of the ceremony, Gutierrez said, “I want all soldiers to know that this competition is open to everyone, regardless of rank, gender or creed, and regardless of your physical and mental abilities. I want you to come out, sign up and go out there, have fun, enjoy it and create memories that will last forever.”