GRAFENWÖHR TRAINING AREA, Germany: A Test of Grit and Teamwork
In a remarkable display of strength and resilience, Soldiers from across Europe and Africa gathered at the Grafenwöhr Training Area for the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad Competition. Held from August 20 to 28, this annual event is designed to identify the squad that best embodies the Army’s core values of discipline, readiness, and cohesion.
The Spirit of Competition
The competition brought together elite Soldiers from various units, each vying for the title of Best Squad. Over the course of several days, participants faced a rigorous schedule filled with challenges that tested not only their physical fitness but also their tactical skills and teamwork. Master Sgt. Matthew Bjerke, the USAREUR-AF G-37 training and exercise noncommissioned officer in charge, emphasized the importance of shared experiences in building camaraderie. “Any kind of shared hardship really builds team camaraderie,” he noted, highlighting the essence of teamwork in combat and training scenarios.
A Grueling Challenge
Competitors were pushed to their limits through a series of demanding events. These included weapons qualifications, a grueling 12-mile ruck march, and both day-and-night land navigation exercises. Tactical lanes were designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios, forcing squads to think critically and act decisively under pressure. For many participants, the most challenging moments came not from the physical exertion but from the mental strain of persevering through fatigue and stress.
Sgt. Dominic Savio, squad leader for Charlie Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, Southern European Task Force, Africa, shared his motivation: “When things get tough, I remember why I decided to volunteer for this. It’s about personal and professional growth, and challenging myself to learn something new.”
Endurance and Team Dynamics
The competition was structured to test endurance and the ability to operate cohesively under relentless pressure. Staff Sgt. Taylor Sheppard, representing Bravo Troop 1-91 Cavalry, 173rd Airborne, described the 12-mile ruck march as particularly grueling. “The lack of sleep, changes in nutrition, and high-stress environments made it incredibly challenging,” he explained. Despite these obstacles, each squad member focused on mentoring younger Soldiers, reinforcing the importance of leadership and teamwork.
The Thrill of Victory
After days of intense competition, only one squad emerged victorious: the 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, V Corps. Led by Staff Sgt. Seth Peaton, the squad included Sgt. James Tranchina, Spc. Devin Schallert, Spc. Elesban Ruiz, and Pfc. Samuel Vittitow. Their triumph not only earned them the title of Best Squad but also the opportunity to represent USAREUR-AF at the Army-wide Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, scheduled for October 2-12, 2025. Additionally, Pfc. Samuel Vittitow was honored with the USAREUR-AF Best Soldier Award.
Lessons Beyond the Battlefield
For the ten squads that participated, the competition offered invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the training grounds of Grafenwöhr. Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Fedorisn, command sergeant major for the 7th Army Training Command, expressed his hopes for the competitors: “I hope they take away confidence in themselves, their training, and their equipment. At the same time, I want them to go home with at least one thing they can work harder on, so they come out better the next time.”
A Commitment to Excellence
The USAREUR-AF Best Squad Competition not only showcased the discipline, skill, and resilience of Soldiers across the theater but also reinforced the Army’s commitment to building cohesive, combat-ready teams. As these Soldiers return to their units, they carry with them the lessons learned and the bonds forged during this intense competition, ready to face future challenges with renewed vigor and determination.
