FORT BENNING, Ga. – Troopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and 4th Squadron, 3rd U.S. Cavalry Regiment, competed in the 2023 Gainey Cup, May 1 through May 5 at Fort Benning, GA.
A competition that honors outstanding performance within the Armor Branch, The Gainey Cup bears the name of Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, a distinguished leader known for his unwavering military bearing which was symbolized by a steel ball bearing from an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, which he carried in his pocket. Through his inspiring leadership, Gainey left a lasting legacy of excellence that continues to motivate soldiers to push themselves to new heights.
“The advice I give to all competitors is you are as fast as your slowest person, you are as strong as your weakest person, stay together, nobody has ever won the Gainey Cup as an individual,” said Gainey. “It was designed to be a team scout competition.”
Composed of several significant events, the competition allows the Cavalry Scout Troopers to demonstrate their competence, physical and mental stamina, and competitive spirit of serving in Reconnaissance and Security Formations. Events of the competition include various public demonstrations, land navigation, knowledge of various weapon systems, physical and mental tests, and culminates with the final charge.
These events test the participants’ physical and mental endurance, combat readiness, and strategic thinking abilities, making it a comprehensive evaluation of their skills. The Armor School will evaluate and determine the top-performing Scout Squad, known as the ‘Best Scout Squad.’
“We worked hard to be here and are glad to represent. It’s an amazing honor for everyone present.” said Staff Sgt. Noah Kokkeler, who participated in the Gainey Cup with 4th Squadron, 3rd U.S. Cavalry Regiment.
This highly anticipated competition provides a platform for schools to evaluate and refine their programs of instruction, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of the field and enable students to achieve mastery of their profession. It emphasizes the importance of mastering the fundamentals that maintain our fighting force and help us keep a decisive edge over potential adversaries.
Servicemembers are not only a great strength but also the most important weapon system in combat, without them our military would never succeed.
“We provide support for these service members and have been for the past ten years. We supply snacks and drinks as they participate in each course,” said Barry Burke, Executive Officer for the United States of America Brotherhood Of Tankers.
The Gainey Cup finalizes with its annual Armor Ball, making for a thrilling celebration of the skilled Soldiers.
The Gainey Cup isn’t just a military competition; it is a test of the skills and capabilities of some of the finest Cavalry Scout Troopers in the United States Army. The participation of the 1-5 Cav and 4 Cav in this prestigious event highlights the Army’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of combat readiness. The dedication, physical and mental endurance, and strategic thinking displayed by these soldiers serve as a testament to the Army’s unyielding pursuit of excellence in all aspects of military operations.
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