LAKEHURST – It was a test of ingenuity, endurance and physical prowess that brought several squads of soldiers together to the grounds of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for a recent seven-day competition.
When the dust was cleared, it was the U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division (RD) “Checkmate Squad” that proved victorious in winning this year’s Combined Major Support Command Best Squad Competition.
There were individual contests and team simulations in different categories such as expert physical fitness assessment, rifle and pistol qualification, squad-based combat fitness assessment, weapons lane, land navigation course, water obstacle course, and a NATO obstacle course.
“It was an honor to come back and do this. Being able to represent the 99th, that’s the best part,” said Checkmate member Sgt. Hallie Koches, a New Jersey native.
There were three squads vying for the top title consisting of 17 total soldiers from seven Army Reserve commands across the country. They included the 63d RD, 81st RD, 88th RD, 99th RD, 80th Training Command, 76th Operational Response Command, and 75th Innovation Command.
Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Thompson said, “you came from different organizations and became a team. Continue to learn the history of your organizations so you can honor those who came before you.”
Staff Sgt. Emily Newsome of the 99th RD’s 198th Army Band described the experience saying, “we’re all doing this together.” Newsome was named the 99th RD Noncommissioned Officer of the Year following the competition which marked her fourth competition in the past three years.
“Checkmate Squad” will move on to the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, scheduled for May 8-19. Competitors who advance beyond that competition will represent the United States Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Squad Competition.
99th RD Commanding General, Major General Kris Belanger told the squad, “You showed me you were here for all the right reasons. Take this to the next level and spread the word of experiences learned here. You are all winners just for being here.”
“Checkmate Squad” got its name from the World War II’s 99th Infantry Division and the checkboard pattern on its unit patch, which is still worn by 99th RD Soldiers today.
“I want to learn, improve, and most importantly help others,” Specialist Eloy Yague of the 99th RD’s 198th Army Band said. He received the award of 99th RD Soldier of the Year. “That way I can become the best version of myself, and help others become the best version of themselves.”
The Best Squad Competition was initiated by the former Sergeant Major of the Army in September 2022 to replace the Best Warrior Competition and stress the importance of building a cohesive team of soldiers who are highly trained, disciplined, and both mentally and physically resilient. For two decades, the annual BWC recognized soldiers who demonstrated commitment to the Army values and Squad Ethos as well as representing the “Force of the Future.”
“The bond made through shared hardship is one that is unbreakable,” said guest speaker New Jersey Army Reserve Ambassador Arthur Maggs Jr. at the award banquet. He is a retired command sergeant major.
