FORT RILEY, Kan. - The Army said that the winner of the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition, held from June 24-27, is the 4th Infantry Division Squad. This winning team will advance to compete in the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition at Fort Carson, Colorado, in August.
This year, Fort Riley hosted the competition, welcoming ten teams from across the III Armored Corps. These teams faced 14 challenging events designed to test their physical and combat capabilities. The competition featured a variety of mental and physical combat-related events, including the Army Combat Fitness Test, various weapons lanes, a strenuous 12-mile foot march, detailed individual warrior tasks and squad battle drills, and a Soldier knowledge board.
Over the week-long competition, each squad was assessed on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team.
“We didn’t show up for second place. If you’re showing up just to place, you’re not here for the right reason,” said SPC Felix Vazquez, a member of the 4ID Squad.
The most influential level of leadership is at the squad level, where the majority of our Soldiers reside. The concept of "squad" extends beyond a traditional infantry squad to any small-unit group of Soldiers connected by a squad leader, who is the core of the squad, and has the most direct impact on their lives.
“It was really hot and really humid. So definitely the biggest part was keeping your guys pushing through, keeping that mindset that you’re going to win.” said SGT Jamon Lacrosse, Squad Leader of the 4ID Squad.
Soldiers never fight alone; the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unwavering support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units. Each squad in the competition consisted of five Soldiers: a squad leader, a team leader, and three squad members.
SGM Micheal Sanchez, 3rd Armored Corps G-3 Sergent Major, was grateful for all the teams who participated in this Best Squad event.” I can’t express how proud of each and every one of you I am. And all the respect for all the organizations involved,” Sanchez said.