“I like actual combat-related tasks,” Armijo said before the ceremony on Friday. “This ruck was harder than any other ruck I’ve ever done. It tested a little bit of my fortitude.”
During the week of the competition, Armijo had the chance to gain from the experiences of Soldiers who have more time in service and who are experts in different fields.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn and figure out what other states and units are doing,” Armijo said. “It’s great to hone your skills. The competition is a great thing to do at least once.”
Competitors arrived for the competition Monday evening and the challenges quickly began. After checking in at the 515th Regional Training Institute on the Oñate Military Complex, they were taken directly to the Genoveva Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe for water combat survival tasks. Competitors swam while keeping a rubber rifle out of the water and trod water for over 10 minutes in full uniform.
That night they began completing warrior tasks, which took place throughout the week. Tasks included setting up global positioning systems, completing realistic medical practice lanes, setting up radios, performing preventive maintenance checks and services on military equipment, and testing their basic soldiering knowledge.
The Soldiers woke early Tuesday morning to complete the Army Physical Fitness Test and the grueling Warrior Challenge, a 2-mile long obstacle course around the perimeter of the Oñate Complex. They flipped heavy tires, dragged a 160-pound chain through the sand, dragged a loaded SKED litter, carried full water canisters up and down hills, climbed ropes, and crawled underneath wire.
On Wednesday, the competitors completed land navigation and moved to the Whittington National Rifle Association Center outside of Raton. There, they zeroed their weapons and readied themselves for the ranges on Thursday morning.
They fired M16A2 rifles and Beretta M9 pistols before beginning the “Chili Pepper Shoot,” a timed 3/4 mile course where competitors fired pistols, 12-gauge shotguns, and rifles. The ruck march began immediately following the shoot.
Night land navigation took place back in Santa Fe that evening. On Friday, the soldiers completed an on-camera interview, written exams, and board appearances before the awards ceremony began.
Sheetz and Armijo were awarded the Army Commendation Medal, plaques, and coins from Maj. Gen. Kenneth Nava, the Adjutant General of New Mexico. Staff
Sgt. Craig Kenison, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist in the Nevada National Guard’s 92nd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) was the runner-up for NCO of the Year.
Spc. Connor Verplough, a combat medical specialist in the NMNG’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry, was the runner-up Soldier of the Year. He received a plaque for finishing first overall in the Warrior Challenge.
Both Kenison and Verplough received Army Achievement Medals and coins from Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Garcia, the NMNG’s state Command Sergeant Major.]]>
