CAMP BULLIS, Texas –
The first three days of June put a select group of Army NCOs from the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade under unique pressure. They were competing for recognition as the brigade's outstanding NCO for fiscal 2011.
The first day found them hot and dusty on Camp Bullis for the land navigation course and hands-on warrior task testing - after undergoing the Army Physical Fitness Test that morning at Fort Sam Houston where the brigade is based.
This was just the beginning of the three-day event; on the subsequent days they wrote a graded essay, completed a written examination on general military knowledge, and appeared before a formal board composed of senior NCOs from throughout the brigade. Weapons qualification and the surprise event -- a six-mile ruck march -- also counted for points.
When the scores were tallied, the brigade's NCO of the Year was Staff Sgt. Adam Beitz of Lackland's 717th Military Intelligence Battalion. Beitz found the board to be the most difficult challenge.
"It's the only part of the competition that still makes me a little nervous," said Beitz. "Doing it over and over again definitely makes it a lot easier, but it still feels a little uncomfortable to sit in front of all those sergeants major."
Completing the physical fitness test and the ruck march gave Beitz the most satisfaction.
"I do pretty well on these events," he said. "I get a sense of accomplishment for completing them to the best of my ability."
Beitz encourages other NCOs to participate in competitions when they have the opportunity.
"In order to do well in competitions at this level, you must be a well-rounded Soldier," Beitz advised. "Everyone has areas in which they excel, but the winner is the one who doesn't really have any weak areas. You need to focus on every event and make sure you're proficient on each in order to do well in the overall competition."
A few days after his win at brigade level, Beitz journeyed to Fort Belvoir, Va., to compete at the Intelligence and Security Command NCO of the Year competition. He came home with the honors of INSCOM NCO of the Year.
"It's a humbling experience," said Beitz. "All those Soldiers who are competing at that level are truly outstanding all around. I'm sure it was only a few points that separated me from the rest of the field. It's a great honor to get to represent INSCOM at the next level."
That next level is the Military District of Washington, D.C. The competition takes place mid-July.