FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
When a Soldier is nominated for brigade Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, it is a noteworthy accomplishment. Throughout the fiscal year Soldiers are nominated for being the best in their commands. According to 8th Transportation Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel L. Reid who sits on several Soldier/NCO boards, the board members are looking for that stand-out Soldier. To be eligible for Soldier of the Year, the Soldier must be in the rank of private through specialist. To be eligible for NCO of the Year, the Soldier must be in the rank of corporal through sergeant first class.
Candidates are evaluated thoroughly against a point system, based on a myriad of subject areas to test their abilities and military training.
"We want the best of the best, a Soldier that is articulate, who understands basic military knowledge, and meets all required qualifications. It's that exceptional Soldier/NCO the Army is looking for," said Reid.
Reid, who has served on active-duty for more than 26 years, said by the time a Soldier/NCO walks through the door the board has already evaluated their packet.
"We look at the photo to determine if this individual looks like a Soldier, then we review their PT Card, weapons qualifications, Enlisted Record Brief and their biography."
Candidates are also required to present their Class A uniform with dress shoes and prepare a one-page, 500- word essay that encompasses all personnel, military or not, that are living, working or training on Eustis.
But candidates don't reach this level until they first have been nominated by their squad leader or platoon sergeant. After a nomination packet is assembled, the next step is the company board where the Soldiers compete with other Soldiers in the company. They then move on to a battalion monthly board, where they compete for the quarter board. After the Soldiers are selected from the quarter board, they're nominated for the brigade and then finally the installation board.
The boards are made up of six senior NCOs who carefully review each packet to determine the best qualified candidates. Once candidates have been selected they are then awarded Soldier/NCO of the Year Award.
Winners are given an Army Commendation Medal, a photo plaque for display, and various other command awards and incentives.
This award gives Soldiers a sense of accomplishment knowing that they are the top Soldier within the brigade.
"After receiving the accolades and recognition, this opportunity motivates other Soldiers/NCOs to desire to achieve this goal. Although it's an intense process, we have dedicated professionals who are willing to learn and do whatever is necessary to be successful. This is a career enhancer that stays in their ERB," Reid added.
Spc. Russell Hartman, 221st Military Police Detachment and Staff Sgt. Douglas Carlile, a cargo specialist and instructor for the 88H Cargo Specialist Course have been selected as the 8th Trans. Bde. Soldier/NCO of the Year.
Both Hartman and Carlile are winners of two second quarter awards and are currently front runners for the installation award.