FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Sgt. 1st Class Paul Gahl, representing Fort Sill, Okla., was selected as the 2011 Advanced Individual Training Platoon Sergeant of the Year.
The Army's top 11 Advanced Individual Training platoon sergeants from across the nation, including Fort Eustis' Staff Sgt. Marta Mottavivas, U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School instructor writer, gathered at Eustis Aug. 22 through 26 to compete for the title of AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year.
"The entire competition was motivating because I was able to work with so many great NCOs, and we all inspired one another throughout the competition, Gahl said. "Knowing who won or worrying where I would place in the competition was far from my mind."
Gahl was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during a military ceremony at Eustis Aug. 26 hosted by Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Calpena, command sergeant major for Initial Military Training, and reviewed by Maj. Gen. Richard C, Longo, deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
"I've had outstanding leaders, and this is something that prepares you for your entire career; it's a good feeling," Gahl said.
Platoon sergeants are top-quality, professional NCOs from virtually all branches of the Army. Their role is to turn citizens into Soldiers. During every recruit's AIT phase of initial entry training, these NCOs set the tone for their entire military career. Currently, there are more than 700 Army platoon sergeants serving at 24 AIT schools and training centers.