|
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - As the Tropic Lightning soldiers
were walking out of the thick wooded terrain, they were engaged
within seconds of being in open field by simulated enemy shooting
sim-rounds causing the soldiers to dash between objects on the
ground for cover. The team leader yells out commands to move his
soldiers as they are providing covering fire.
|
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry
Regiment, take cover and engage a simulated enemy target during
“Gimlet Challenge”, a 15-mile road march with different tasks and
obstacles designed to test the individual and team skills, at
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 29, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt
Matthew Ryan)
|
The 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division held its traditional
Gimlet Challenge on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 28,
2013.
The nickname “Gimlets” dates back to 1921 when
Pfc. Eugene Riley, from E Company, 21st Infantry Regiment,
dominated every opponent he faced in every sport during an
interservice rivalry sports competition. The team was
organized under Pfc. Riley and held the name “Gimlet Club of
Royal Rooters” with their motto being “Bore Brother Bore."
The Gimlet is a tool that became the symbol of toughness for
the Royal Rooters, and due to their tenacity on the athletic
fields the group quickly became known as the “The Gimlets."
Shortly after that, the 21st Infantry Regiment received the
nickname of “Gimlets.”
The Gimlet Challenge is a
dedication to Pfc. Riley and the hardship of their fellow
brothers before them. The challenge is a grueling set of
tasks and obstacles setup at different segments of a 15-mile
road march. The tasks are designed to replicate different
combat situations to test the mental focus, physical
endurance and will power to complete any mission at hand.
There were a total of 71 teams that started the
challenge that morning, and 71 teams finished and earned
their Gimlet tool, which they wear off their belts on the
last working day of the week. Each team consisted of a four
to six man team that went in waves every few minutes once
the challenge kicked off. The first few teams were able to
complete the road march and all tasks in just less than six
hours.
“What you do today, will prepare you for the
future,” said Lt. Col. James J. Tuite, commander, 1-21
Infantry, during the opening ceremony before the sun had
risen that morning. “What you will see today is a great
mental and physical test of our soldiers.”
The
challenge had seven different stations where various tasks
such as medical skills, reacting to contact, marksmanship,
vehicle inspections, sending reports and physical readiness.
The Gimlet Challenge helps to build esprit de corps
among the soldiers and a sense of belonging to something
bigger than just a fire team or platoon, but the Royal
Gimlet Family, said Tuite.
“This was very challenge
and a great team building event,” said 1st Lt. Tyler Mihalic,
a scout platoon leader and competitor with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1-21 Infantry. “I felt a great sense
of pride and accomplishment.”
Pfc. Clint Collier, an
infantryman with HHC, 1-21 Infantry, said, “It was awesome,
but a real gut check.” He said the tasks were hard by
themselves, but you just had to have the heart to pick up
your gear and keep marching. “Finishing was the best thing.”
Collier is a native from Paulding, Ga.
“I
love being a part of the Gimlet Family and the Gimlet
Challenge,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Graham, a fire support
specialist with C Company, 1-21 Infantry, and native of
Asheboro, N.C. He said, “The challenge embodies the spirit
of the Gimlet tradition.”
Graham had previous
complete the Gimlet challenge, and was one of the cadre for
the task of reacting to contact during this year's
challenge.
The ceremony was held on Wheeler Army
Airfield, Schofield Barracks, at 2 p.m. May 29. The ceremony
started by going over the history of the unit, and how the
Gimlets received their nickname. During the ceremony
thesoldiers who completed the challenge were inducted into
the Royal Gimlet Family, and received their Gimlet tools
after the ceremony.
By U.S. Army Sgt Matthew Ryan
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
Comment on this article |
