Participants wait to be inspected during this year’s Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition and the Best Squad Competition held March 24-25. Over 20 participants underwent a fitness assessment, uniform inspections, and a timed 12-mile weighted foot march.
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center held this year’s Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition and the Best Squad Competition March 24-25, with a variety of fitness and combat-related activities designed to test participants to their limits.
Over 20 participants underwent a fitness assessment, uniform inspections, and a timed 12-mile weighted foot march. The competition culminated with a board that tested not only their knowledge but also physical warrior tasks, such as assembling a radio or donning chemical protective gear. Drill sergeants were further evaluated on their ability to train Soldiers, with a focus on mentorship skills, tactical knowledge, and their overall contributions to developing future Soldiers.
“Think about the number of soldiers that you get to impact at the start of their army story,” Lt. Col. Ben Griffin, 229th Military Intelligence Battalion Commander, told the competitors at the closing ceremony. Their effect on soldiers, Griffin added, will help shape the future of linguists in the field for generations.
“That’s the impact you’ll have wearing that campaign hat.”
DLIFLC drill sergeants congratulate each other during the closing ceremony for this year’s Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition.
This year, Drill Sgt. Young Warnock will represent DLIFLC at the U.S. Intelligence Center of Excellence Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition. Staff Sgt. Kyle Wooldridge, Sgt. Isaiah Quinby, Sgt. Karen Mayfield, Specialist Billy William, and Specialist Yoonsoo Han will represent DLIFLC in the U.S. Intelligence Center of Excellence Best Squad Competition in Fort Huachuca, Arizona later this month.
“You lead from the front,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Rashad Adams, the command sergeant major for the 229th MIB, to the participants. “This competition is a perfect example of that.”
The DSOY and BSC are annual events that celebrate the vital roles drill sergeants and squads play in shaping strong, capable leaders within the Army. Winners of local competitions are selected to participate at higher echelons.
Additional reporting and writing by 1st Sgt. Jimmy Lin
