GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A 5k ruck march, 200 push-ups, 200 sit-ups, 80 chin-ups, 50 yard low crawl, tire flips, and more. For many, this may be a tough workout to complete in a weeks' time, how about in less than three hours? That's exactly what the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion did during their Iron Soldier Competition Oct. 26.
The Iron Soldier tests and showcases the combat focused fitness of Soldiers through physically and mentally challenging events. It's designed to promote esprit de corps throughout the unit and place increased emphasis on teamwork and mission accomplishment.
"The competition prepares soldiers for real real-world experiences in a multitude of ways," said Army 1st Sgt. Jamal Hughes, 344th MIBN First Sergeant. "Physically, the competition stresses those skills necessary to successfully perform in a harsh tactical environment. Many of our graduates will face similar challenges and pitfalls through deployments to combat areas just weeks or months after graduation. Mentally, the event allows Soldiers to focus on teamwork, cooperation and problem solving skills when they have reached the limits of their individual abilities."
Participants of the competition teamed up in groups of four beginning at 5:30 a.m. with weigh-ins before their weighted 5k ruck mark.
"I felt pretty nervous but prepared," said Army Pvt. Justin Sotomayor, 344th MIB student.
"Once the run started, it all went away and I pushed through it."
Army Lt. Col. Devon Blake, 344th MIBN Commander, presented the winning team members with an Army Achievement Medal as well as a battalion coin, for their willingness to take on new challenges, outstanding combat readiness, physical fitness, and commitment to excellence.
"My hope for future competitions is that it continues to grow and participation continues to incline," Hughes explained. "We enjoy the completion having a different flavor each iteration and I hope that we can add new and exciting events, while still keeping the real world applicability."
Hughes also expressed his goal of opening up future competition to the other services of Team Goodfellow to share in the teamwork, camaraderie and physical challenge to be the next Iron Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine.