CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait –
Third Army announced Sgt. Jared Lee Martin, a Hendersonville, Tenn., native, as the 2011 Non-commissioned Officer of the Year June 23 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Martin serves as a lead technician with the 160th Signal Brigade, 335th Signal Command (Theater) (Provisional).
Martin will represent Third Army at the U.S. Forces Command Non-commissioned Officer of the Year competition at Fort Hood, Texas.
The trail to being named Non-Commissioned Officer of the year began when five candidates descended on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 18, to prove that they had the knowledge and practical skills to be named Third Army Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.
The five days of competition were designed to test the soldiers both mentally and physically. The candidates were graded on their knowledge of the military by presenting themselves to a sergeant major panel. As well as taking a written examination, Army physical fitness test, night and day land orienteering course, five warrior tasks, and a zero and qualification range with weapons.
Unit pride and an unwavering desire to represent Third Army as Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year was a unifying thought for many of the candidates.
“I am proud to be here representing my unit, showing that we have great non-commissioned officers and soldiers. It is just an honor to be here at this level of competition, I would love to go on to compete at the U.S. Forces Command competition at Fort Hood, Texas, to show that Third Army is the best,” said Martin.
For Sgt. Kendell Corbie, native of Fayetteville, N.C., whose father is a sergeant major at Fort Bragg, N.C., the title of being named Third Army Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year would have came with an opportunity to showcase his own accomplishments in Third Army.
“It feels good to be here knowing that only one person can do it [represent Third Army],” said Corbie who serves as a military police officer with the Area Support Group Qatar Provost Marshal.
Third Army continues to succeed in motivating, training and inspiring their soldiers. The soldiers at the competition were from various areas within Third Army’s area of operation.