Fort Bliss, TX –
Seven platoons and one cadre team from the Basic Leader Course (BLC) Class 008-24 competed for the coveted Iron Platoon Shield on July 29. During the 22-day course each student is challenged to immerse themselves in the five domains of Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) to optimize Soldier readiness.
The H2F domains are physical readiness, nutritional readiness, mental readiness, spiritual readiness and sleep readiness. Each domain addresses a critical aspect that improves the Soldier’s physical lethality and mental toughness.
The Fort Bliss Noncommissioned Officer Academy Physical Training competition is held during every class and while the events change the spirit of teamwork and esprit de corps remain ever present. This cycle the competition consisted of seven events, 200-meter sprints, 40-pound kettle bell swing, V-up, 200-meter sled drag with 90 pounds, supine bicycle, eight-count T-pushup, and the leg tuck and twist. Collectively each team had to complete 120 repetitions of the kettle bell swing and 60, four-count repetitions of the other events. Each exercise chosen is designed to test the team’s speed, strength and endurance.
Every team that competed is comprised of six Soldiers who volunteer to represent their platoon. Soldiers who compete on the team have the opportunity to display the H2F goals they have been working towards during the course. Sgt. Stuart Cohen said, “I like PT,” as his reason to volunteer to represent the 4th platoon Renegades.
The competition brings out more than just physical strength and endurance. It brings out what a leader must be, know and do. During the course students continue their development in Army leadership with review of the Army Leadership Requirements Model, which is comprised of the core leader attributes of character, presence and intellect and the core leader competencies of leads, develops and achieves. Each core attribute and competency is interrelated and provides leaders with a framework to be successful in any position or situation. Sgt. Jonathan Wolfe was not originally going to represent the 9th platoon Cobras. “One of my battle buddies was hurt so I volunteered for the betterment of the group,” Wolfe said.
Although each Soldier who volunteered displayed leadership qualities, one team rose above the others to take the Iron Platoon Shield and bragging rights for BLC Class 008-24. The 9th platoon Cobras took first place overall. Sgt. Mary Kimbrough said, “Motivation will speak for itself” on how this win will make her marketable in the future. While Spc. Fabian Hincapie said, “It shows that I am not just meeting the standard but exceeding the standard.”
Every Soldier who attends BLC will gain valuable knowledge and experience during the course that will form the foundation of their leadership styles so they can be “The Backbone” of the Army.