FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) — The 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade hosted a Best Sustainer of the Quarter competition at Fort Drum on Tuesday. The soldiers were tested by a range of activities and training exercises, requiring both physical and mental strength to succeed.

The competition aims to get back to the roots of the 10th Mountain Division by training in cold, wet environments that simulate mountainous regions. Soldiers are pushed to their limits and stressed, so that they can develop the skills necessary to maintain their composure in these conditions.

Their day began at 6 a.m. with a six-mile ruck march at the Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.

After that, they hit the gym to perform an Army Combat Fitness Test, consisting of a three-rep max deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push-ups, sled drag and carry, and plank and row for 5,000 meters.

Next up was a cooldown, in the icy waters of Remington Park. There, soldiers completed the cold-water immersion training by jumping through a hole in the ice and stating their name, rank, and birthday before climbing back out.

Once that test was completed, they warmed back up with a 4-mile run and 90-pound Skedco drag. The final event of the day was a stress shoot, where competitors were expected to hit targets under pressure.

On Wednesday, the six highest-scoring soldiers will face off in a knowledge test, with subjects in Army regulations, policies and programs.

Three best sustainers — a junior soldier, noncommissioned officer and officer — will be announced later in the day during a ceremony. They will receive an Army Commendation Medal, a sword with their name engraved on it, their picture on the wall and a personal congratulations from the brigade commander.

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