CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Competition is one of the driving forces in the world behind change, behind improvement. Two or more competitors are pitted against each other in fierce battle with one goal — to win.
The Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Quarter for Multi-National Division -South are warriors tested in all areas of their military knowledge by a group of seasoned leaders who have all been exactly where the competitors are.
The MND-S winners were named Oct. 7 in a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Adder’s Coalition South dining facility. When the battlefield was cleared, Sgt. James Kimball, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist from Fort Riley, Kan., representing the 84th Ordnance Battalion, Explosives Ordnance Disposal, was victorious as NCO of the Quarter for Multi-National Division - South. The warrior who won Soldier of the Quarter was Spc. Katrisha Neisse, a light wheel vehicle mechanic from South St. Paul, Minn., representing the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.
Both Soldiers said they had to prepare to achieve their goals.
Some of the subjects the Soldiers had to study included: military history, code of conduct, military justice and other common tasks and drills needed to survive on the battlefield.
“Going through this process helped me refresh my basic skills. I work in an administration office. It helped me become a better NCO,” said Sgt. Liliana Rivera, a chemical operations specialist from Dos Palos, Calif., representing 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “When it comes to my Soldiers, if they see me performing and trying to do my part hopefully they’re motivated to do the same thing. I’ve got a couple of Soldiers studying for the board because of this.”
“It’s easy to become complacent, so it’s good to refresh what we’ve learned from basic training,” added Rivera. “This is something I can go home, be proud of and tell my family about - I’ll be able to say I did something outstanding here.”
In addition to common military knowledge, the Soldiers must meet height and weight standards prescribed by military regulation, have received no Uniform Code of Military Justice actions or suspensions of favorable actions within the past 12 months, pass an Army physical fitness test within the past six months and have their first line supervisor or appropriate representative attend the board. “Each one of these tasks that they’re given are ones that they’ve been trained on throughout their military careers and in preparation to get them to Iraq,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas L. Julin, senior enlisted leader, Multi-National Division - South. “It helps their careers by being able to understand the process of how to train, how to conduct training and what the standards and conditions are so we can train our Soldiers in the future. Helping their careers is part of what we, as NCOs, are responsible for.”
Making necessary preparations to participate in a board translates into skills needed by Soldiers on the battlefield.
“To help them make a decision and to be able to clearly articulate what they’re doing, what they’re training and how to explain to their peers or their subordinates in a clear and concise manner and under a stressful situation will help them perform their jobs well in the battlefield itself,” said Julin.
Both warriors are in a position to participate in other boards, to include NCO and Soldier of the Year and the vaunted Sgt. Audie Murphy board.
The two winners received Army Achievement Medals and the Division Command Sergeant Major’s Coin of Excellence.
Soldiers interested in competing in one of these prestigious boards are encouraged to inform their chain of command and start the process.
“It builds confidence in what they’re doing. It builds confidence in themselves, in their sponsor, every one of them is a winner, regardless if you place first or last,” said Julin.
This round of boards was made possible through efforts of the 121st Brigade Support Battalion “Iron Hammers” of 4th BCT, 1st Armd. Div., who sponsored this quarter’s competition.
“It’s been a great experience. This was a very well put-together event. We increased it from the last rounds when it was a straight board process,” said Julin. “This time, we did hands-on with the warrior skills, marksmanship and APFT, and it will just build on with additional challenges the next time.”
