TEAM WENDIGO

             On November 9, 2021 the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team enlisted each Battalion to produce nine ready and eager troopers to compete in the First Annual Tough Squad Competition. Each team consisted of an Officer, Multiple Non-Commissioned Officers, and lower enlisted soldiers. 8th Engineer Battalion, participated in the rigorous Best Team Competition to test each unit’s technical and tactical proficiency. The entire competition lasted over 40 hours through November 9th to November 10th. Throughout the two-day competition, the 8th Engineer Battalion team, which was named Team Wendigo, tackled obstacles such as Breaching, Stress-shoot, Clearing Rooms, And much more. Each team was assigned an NCO Cadre that foot marched with them for the duration of the competition.

             Each member of the team held a significant role. These troopers were hand selected based on their physical and mental pursuance, that would show what the 8th ENG BN, has developed within their ranks. The assessments they faced included breaching doors, clearing rooms, Close-quarters combat (CQB), evacuating a casualty, weapons proficiency, call for fire, stress shoot qualification, nighttime Land navigation, tactical combat casualty care, and a timed uniform run that ended at the Blackjack Field. “I was happy about the variety of Troopers involved. Each subject we didn’t know, another teammate was able to teach us”.  SGT Bracamonte, Johnny. Battalion vehicle mechanic.

             The movement to each event was six to eight miles of rucking, with over 50lbs of equipment and hand carrying each Troopers assigned M4A1 Rifle. The team strategically timed when to eat, change socks, and adjust gear as necessary. Each Team member helped with recovery and packing techniques. The team had enough time to eat, change shirts, socks, and rest their feet before nightfall. Once the darkness covered the operating area, each team prepared for the next test. Team Wendigo geared up and moved out for the all-night Land Navigation test. While navigating through the hills and trees in the darkness, cackling and howling from near by coyotes and wildlife accompanied their journey to each point. The excitement of finding each point was complimented by the aesthetic of the stars that blanketed the fields. This was unknown land; an uninterrupted corner of Fort Hood that most soldiers do not get to see. This team turned it into their territory that will forever be remembered as Team Wendigo land.

             The end of the competition resulted in each team member receiving their SPURS. This is a timeless tradition held by the Cavalry units to honor the significant sacrifice and performance of these Troopers. The ceremony held on Blackjack Field honored the leaders that coordinated this competition, the Cadre, and all Troopers that persevered. All teams felt the holistic growth of heroism for the opportunity. The 2nd ABCT held a ceremony to welcome their Troopers back home after their rigorous Tough Squad journey. “After completing the competition, I became a better soldier, a better team member, and a better version of myself”. SPC Connors, Joseph, Battalion Intel specialist.       

            “Our Battalion had the opportunity to showcase the expertise that we have in our ranks. We are an Engineer Battalion, but we are more than only engineers. The competition introduces the tactical approach to problem solving, and it provided meaning and a new perspective to the team. This was how the team builds cohesion.” SGM De Lira. 8 EN. BN. OPS SGM.