DVIDS – News – Daily Summary of the US Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition: Day 8

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition is coming to a close at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, as competing squads enter the final day of testing. At the end of Day 7 on August 7, there were no changes in the standings from the previous day. Team Delta, assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and representing V Corps in the competition, firmly maintained its lead. They were followed by Team Bravo and Team Charlie, both assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and representing Southern European Task Force, Africa.

At the beginning of Day 8 on August 8, squads competed in an Expert Physical Fitness Test (EPFA) where teams completed a series of fitness exercises including running, carrying a water jug, carrying sandbags, and crawling. Upon completion, squads proceeded to an official exam where each Soldier, in their dress uniform, was examined by a panel of senior noncommissioned officers and asked a series of questions. This event was similar to the traditional exams that Soldiers take to earn certain titles such as promotion status and Soldier/NCO of the Month. The official exam was followed by a written assessment where each Soldier was tested on their technical and tactical knowledge. The end of the day marked the end of the exam portion of the competition.

“It was definitely a lot of good training,” said Sergeant Anthony Valdez, a member of Team Bravo assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade who represented Southern European Task Force, Africa during the competition. “We did some things that were outside of our norm, but it allowed us to hone our skills and continue to be better soldiers.”

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad competition concludes on Friday, August 9, with an awards ceremony and winner announcement at 1 p.m. CET/7 a.m. EST. Who will be named the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad? For more information and to watch the awards ceremony/announcement via Facebook Live, please visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/us-army-europe-and-africa-best/1020572782953344/.

As the competition approaches its final day, please visit the DVIDS features page and US Army Europe and Africa social media profiles to view the latest photos, videos, and daily leaderboards!

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