Fort Bliss Monitor

2-43 puts troops to test in ‘Iron Soldier’ competition

Spc. Jason Stadel
108th ADA Bde. Public Affairs

Female top finisher, Spc. Melissa Wood, receives a battalion coin and COA from 2-43 Battalion Commander, Lt. Col Tony English.

The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery put 10 of its finest Soldiers to the test last week with their inaugural “Iron Soldier” competition. Soldiers from every unit within the battalion took part in the event. The event was divided into male and female categories and the troops participated in seven different events. The Army Physical Fitness Test, a two-mile ruck march, pull-ups, a tire flip, a pole bag carry, a 100-meter sprint and bench press were the events meant to test the physical ability and stamina of the Soldiers.

The competition was done in battle dress uniform except for the two-mile run during the APFT when running shoes were allowed. Minimal time between each event was given; the competitors would go from one event immediately to the next.

Events for the competition were designed to be unique, to challenge the Soldiers. The Soldiers didn’t know about the bench press event until it was time to start.

“This required a lot of strength and there was almost no time between events, “ said Spc. Megan Lutz, HHB, 2-43. “I felt like I was physically inclined to represent my battery.”

Lutz finished second in the female competition; she won five of the seven events.

“I would have won if I would have had done better on the PT test. But either way it was still a good experience. I like to see what I can accomplish.”

The unit has been promoting similar events throughout the battalion, with more to come. The battalion leadership is looking to have their Soldiers be as motivated as possible during their time in the “Strength in Honor” battalion.

Lutz said the “Iron Soldier” event was good because it gave Soldiers something to strive for and “it was really hyped up.”

Participants in the “Iron Soldier” were given a battalion coin and jacket with the regimental crest. The winners also received a certificate of achievement medal and a three-day pass. The top finishers were: Spc. Melissa Wood, A Btry., 2-43, and Spc. Kevin Kline, D Btry., 2-43.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	February 17, 2005

	2-43 puts troops to test in ‘Iron Soldier’ competition Spc. Jason Stadel 108th ADA Bde. Public Affairs Female top finisher, Spc. Melissa Wood, receives a battalion coin and COA from 2-43 Battalion Commander, Lt. Col Tony English. The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery put 10 of its finest Soldiers to the test last week with their inaugural “Iron Soldier” competition. Soldiers from every unit within the battalion took part in the event. The event was divided into male and female categories and the troops participated in seven different events. The Army Physical Fitness Test, a two-mile ruck march, pull-ups, a tire flip, a pole bag carry, a 100-meter sprint and bench press were the events meant to test the physical ability and stamina of the Soldiers. The competition was done in battle dress uniform except for the two-mile run during the APFT when running shoes were allowed. Minimal time between each event was given; the competitors would go from one event immediately to the next. Events for the competition were designed to be unique, to challenge the Soldiers. The Soldiers didn’t know about the bench press event until it was time to start. “This required a lot of strength and there was almost no time between events, “ said Spc. Megan Lutz, HHB, 2-43. “I felt like I was physically inclined to represent my battery.” Lutz finished second in the female competition; she won five of the seven events. “I would have won if I would have had done better on the PT test. But either way it was still a good experience. I like to see what I can accomplish.” The unit has been promoting similar events throughout the battalion, with more to come. The battalion leadership is looking to have their Soldiers be as motivated as possible during their time in the “Strength in Honor” battalion. Lutz said the “Iron Soldier” event was good because it gave Soldiers something to strive for and “it was really hyped up.” Participants in the “Iron Soldier” were given a battalion coin and jacket with the regimental crest. The winners also received a certificate of achievement medal and a three-day pass. The top finishers were: Spc. Melissa Wood, A Btry., 2-43, and Spc. Kevin Kline, D Btry., 2-43.