The Second Quarter Force Quarterly Fitness Competition came to a close today, with the 31 Special Forces Battalion securing first place among 12 male teams, reaffirming their reputation for exceptional performance and elite standards.
Second place finishers 3 Infantry Battalion displayed exceptional skills earning their spot with just a 33 points difference from the first-place winners. The Ensigns male team placed third with a hairbreadth 2-point lead from 4th place.
The Ensigns female team placed first while Base Camp Stephenson and Coast Guard copped second and third respectively.
The fierce but friendly competition is used to test the soldiers’ battle readiness through a series of physical and mental exercises. The two-day competition commenced with ranks conducting day shoot, rope climbing, navigation and first aid, swimming and night shoot. Day two saw ranks competing in a five-mile run, memory test, obstacle course, falling plate shoot and grenade throw. The teams’ performance in each event is used to evaluate the overall skill proficiency and battle readiness of their units.
Chief of Defence Staff (ag) Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM, in his address to the ranks reminded them that each Quarterly Fitness Competition replicates the foundation of military effectiveness especially shooting, movement, endurance and cohesion.
He stressed that as the economy grows, threats become more complex, and more technology is being provided to strengthen the Force’s expanding capabilities.
He also noted the improvement in recent competitions but encouraged the teams to continue to strive for excellence. “Even as we compete and celebrate here, many of our brothers and sisters in arms are standing watch on our borders, quietly defending our sovereignty. We honourthem by remaining fit, capable, and always ready to reinforce where needed.” he said.
