FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers from 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, conduct the seven-minute drill March 29, 2021, during a best squad competition. Each squad was required to correctly don chemical suits in seven minutes and do push-ups while being quizzed. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
By 2nd Lt. James Haley
Platoon leader, 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, inspect a variety of weapons April 1, 2021, during the company’s best squad competition. Each team was required to inspect, disassemble, reassemble and perform a function check on six different weapons systems. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — For four days, the 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, endured intense mental and physical challenges during a Best Squad Competition.
The competition tested the squads’ mental and physical determination through unique events such as enhanced container handling unit (ECHU) operability, weapons functions and maintenance, corrosion and battery operations and many more.
The company has been preparing for the maintenance ride competition since early January 2021.
“Our focus for the second quarter was solely maintainer tasks,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Taven McKinney, maintenance technician, 32nd CTC. “We wanted to drive home the point that even though convoy operations are what we are known for, we needed to address that our convoys do not move without proper maintenance.”
Spearheaded by McKinney and Sgt. 1st Class Ernest Espinoza, motor sergeant, 32nd CTC, the company carefully crafted training plans to naturally lead up to the competition.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 3rd Platoon, 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, execute tactical casualty care while wearing chemical suits March 29, 2021. The Soldiers were given 7 minutes to don the suits, and conduct physical exercises. (Photo by 2nd Lt. James Haley)
“We utilized Monday mornings prior to formation to execute our squad leader development program,” said Espinoza. “Reintroducing common tasks in the motor pool emphasizes the importance of operator preventative maintenance for a multipurpose MOS. It should be just how we do business.”
Throughout the day, each six-man squad completed various events at different stations for a recorded time. One event consisted of rolling an enormous tire down the motor pool and then changing the tire, cleaning corrosion and hooking up a battery while partaking in a relay race, and validating faults while operating an ECHU for accurate container placement. Each event happened one after the other.
“I was surprised how hard we were pushed on the first day,” said Spc. Dylan Cunningham, 32nd CTC. “Even though it was challenging, it was good to get out of the motor pool and have a different experience with my squad.”
Whether carrying a casualty while wearing their chemical suits or navigating through the Leader Reaction Course, each squad was able to build upon their teamwork and create strong bonds through healthy competition.
“Tensions were high among the squads entering the last day,” said Spc. Thomas Heald, legal representative with 32nd CTC. “Although the tasks at hand are not typically a part of our jobs, it was fun to get out of our comfort z
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Platoon, 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, navigate across a secondary containment center filled with water March 30, 2021, in the consolidated motor pool. This event tested communication and teamwork. (Photo by 2nd Lt. James Haley)
one and even excel. We enjoyed getting out of our normal routine and proving ourselves to our peers.”
The squads wrapped up the competition with a 6-mile ruck march and assembled, disassembled and performed function checks on six different weapon systems. The event ended with a drill and ceremony competition in the afternoon.
“The key to our success was the diversity of our personnel and the overall motivation level,” said Sgt. Tyler Dahl, 32nd CTC and one of the winning six-man squad members. “We couldn’t have done it without each member of the team.”
Each event in the maintenance ride is crafted to ensure that a squad’s success is determined not by might alone, but by achieving mutual solidarity and a fighting team spirit.
“This event really brought our platoon together,” said Pfc. Brenna Richey, a motor transporter operator, 32nd CTC. “I am so lucky to have motivated and positive leadership to influence me and make me the best Soldier that I can be. I love my platoon.”
The knowledge and level of training are an important component in competitions like this one. Strong competition is healthy for esprit de corps and building a foundation of pride. This is the second internal Best Squad Competition the company has hosted.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Teams with 32nd Composite Truck Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, run to the finish line at the end of the timed ruck march April 1 during the company-level best squad competition. The groups had 90 minutes to complete a 6-mile march and finish as a team. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
“We are looking forward to a brigade-level ‘Maintenance Team of the Year’ competition and a battalion-level ‘Best Squad Competition’ housed in base defense,” said Capt. Margaret Maher, commander, 32nd CTC. “Building pride and a sense of belonging is how we do business in ‘Trey Deuce.’ We as leaders are in a position to foster an environment where you are excited to come to work and challenge yourself for growth. Our Soldiers deserve that much.”