The Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) will host its Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) and Soldier of the Year (SOY) Competition on Saturday, Jan. 22 and Sunday, Jan. 23, at the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park on St. Croix.The competition is held to select the most outstanding NCO and soldier to represent a state or territory in regional and national competitions. It tests a soldier’s skill and ability to perform physical fitness, map reading, Army warrior tasks and a 6-mile road march on scenic Route West above Carambola. During the board, competitors will demonstrate their knowledge on topics covered in the U.S. Army Board Study Guide.
Seven V.I. Guardsmen will participate in the competition. The NCO category includes corporal through sergeant first class and the Soldier of the Year category includes private through specialist. Judging will be conducted by five voting members and one non-voting recorder. State Command Sergeant Major Mona Barnes serves as president of the board. Five retired senior NCOs will serve as mentors and evaluators during the competition.
Competitors will receive awards and certificates of participation. The winners go on to compete in the Region III Soldier and NCO of the Year Competition on April 11-15, at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
For more information, contact Master Sergeant Karen D. Williams, VING Public Affairs officer, at cell 332-5541.