FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division run to the next event during Ivy Week “This is My Squad” competition June 28, 2021, on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena)
Story and photos by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division test their teamwork in Ivy Week “This is My Squad” competition June 28, 2021, on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers throughout the 4th Infantry Division came together to compete in the “This is My Squad” competition June 28, 2021, at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Hosted by 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., it was one of several competitions held during the division’s Ivy Week, a week dedicated to bringing units together to foster unit cohesion and esprit de corps.
“This is My Squad competition is an initiative from the sergeant major of the Army for leaders to take ownership of their squads,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Steve R. Chandler Jr., senior enlisted adviser of 2nd SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. “For Ivy Week, this is one of the competitions that they will be graded against for whichever battalion wins the Division Cup.”
The competition consisted of five stations on a 5-mile route near the Warhorse Brigade’s headquarters in which squads worked together to complete physical and mental challenges.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division race during Ivy Week “This is My Squad” competition June 28, 2021, on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena)
“The various stations have (Army Combat Fitness Test) events,” said Sgt. 1st Class Julian Deacon with 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg. “The (written) proficiency exam is based on the ‘Ivy 7,’ the ‘Green Book’ and the ‘Yellow Book.’”
They serve as foundational documents for the division, setting standards for leaders and Soldiers, alike.
Although only one squad could reign supreme, every squad that participated took home the prize of building their team and strengthening the cohesion necessary to ensure success no matter the task.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division perform the leg tuck during Ivy Week “This is My Squad” competition June 28, 2021, on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena)
“Everybody put maximum effort and had good motivation,” said Pfc. Michael Cortellesso with 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “Overall it was a good event, I had fun and I would do it again.”