Fort Bragg Soldiers compete in Leadership Challenge

USASOC PAO

October 6, 2011

	Photos by Mark A. Schultz/USASOC PAO Soldier with Company B, 6th Military Information Support Battalion, finish the 2nd Annual Leadership Challenge and bring home the guidon, Sept. 22, at Mott Lake.

If you are tired of taking a physical fitness test that includes the typical pushups, sit-ups and two-mile run, then maybe Maj. Andrew Wagner of Company B, 6th Military Information Support Battalion has an interesting option for you.

Soldiers from his battalion participated in the 2nd Annual Leadership Challenge competition at Mott Lake, Sept. 22 and even though traveling around the lake was less than three miles, it was very difficult for the 13 participating teams.

The event started with a run along the south side of the lake, followed by about a 300-meter swim across the lake, then a run to pick up a full sandbag, which was called a “sand baby,” followed by a canoe race back across the lake and finishing with a 35-pound rucksack run to the finish line.

And of course this is all done in full Army combat uniform, according to Capt. Stuart Gallagher, detachment command and officer in charge of the event.

Gallagher said the competition is designed for everyone since “most (Soldiers) are not good at every event, so there is an equalizer. And of course it is just a fun event … something different from regular PT.”

The challenge also incorporates competition which is something the 6th MISB and the Army believe in, Gallagher said.

“(It also,) builds trust between unit members and shows off the strengths of the individual Soldier,” he said adding that it shows the commander how well the Soldiers work together as a team.

For Wagner, the challenge was a success, as most of his Soldiers prepare physically for future deployments. The event was intended to create stress and trust, and in doing so, give the company the confidence to succeed.

“We are a better company as a result of this competition,” concluded Wagner.

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