PULL
Vilseck, Germany –Spc. Mitchell Griffith cranks out another pull up during the obstacle course portion of the Bull Dog Stetson Run.
(U.S. Army photos by Spc. Jerry Wilson, 2SCR/Public Affairs)
2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment
Public Affairs Office
Vilseck, Germany
PHONE: DSN: 476-5017 COMMERCIAL (49) 09662-83-5017
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Website: www.2SCR.army.mil
VILSECK, Germany – It has always been a point of pride amongst Cavalry Troops to be able to wear the famous Stetson. Troopers from Fires Squadron, Bravo Battery of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spent two-days recently in competition for the coveted head gear.
“What we are doing is the Bull Dog Stetson competition,” said Capt. Joseph Shorr, 2nd Platoon Leader. “It’s a competition we developed for Soldiers E-4 and below to get a chance to earn their Stetsons.”
According to Shorr the contestants were randomly broken down into three-man teams and put through a series of tests based on common tasks Soldiers would face throughout the course of their duties. Each task is designed as a team-building exercise.
“We wanted to give our Soldiers the opportunity to feel the Espirit de Corps and experience the camaraderie that is the Cavalry tradition,” he said. “The events test their physical skills, teamwork and Cavalry knowledge.”
Day one consisted of two events. The morning began with a land navigation competition. Each team must locate and travel to seven points within the course. At each site there is one common task they must complete before moving on to finding the next. Some common tasks included: assembling and disassembling the M-4 and 50-Cal., calling in a medical evacuation and evaluate and treat a casualty. The Troopers are given four hours to complete the course.
In addition to the land navigation event, Soldiers are required to take a written test on Cavalry knowledge and Regimental history.
“They are also asked questions which are relevant to field artillery,” Shorr said.
Later that afternoon the teams assembled to compete in the timed obstacle course competition. Each team was required to push a HMMV, low crawl through a sand pit, perform a litter carry, toss a truck tire and numerous other tasks designed to test their stamina and endurance.
Day two was spent at the Leader’s Reaction course (LRC). While at the LRC Soldiers were broken down into teams and given a variety of problems to overcome. Each team must work together to accomplish their mission within a given time period. When they weren’t overcoming obstacles at the LRC they were testing their marksmanship prowess at the Engagement Skills Trainer(EST). The EST is a computerized firing range that allows each Soldier to test their judgment in shoot, don’t shoot scenarios.
Soldiers earn team points as well as individual. In the end the top three point holders received the prize.
PUSH
Vilseck, Germany –Competitors in the Bull Dog Stetson Run perform team pushups at the Leaders Reaction Course.
Using your belt
Vilseck, Germany –Competitors in the Stetson Run use a ladder made of belts to achieve a goal during the Leader’s Reaction Course part of the competition.
All Together
Vilseck, Germany – (From left to right) Spc. Daniel Orvis, Spc. Leonard Abeyta and Spc. Mitchell Griffith move a truck tire during the Bull Dog Stetson Run Obstacle Course event.
TEAMWORK
Vilseck, Germany – PV2. Justin Robinson checks the alignment of his 50-cal barrel as Spc. Jay Black (left) assists during the Land Navigation portion of the Bull Dog Stetson Run.
