Combatives tournament returns to the Great Place

Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Once again, Fort Hood is proud to host the U.S. Army Combatives Championship, which kicks off Thursday morning. I am extremely proud to have this tournament right here at the Great Place. The bottom line up front is that as great as this tournament was here last year, I fully expect it to be even greater this year.

Across the Army, and right here at the Great Place, far more Soldiers have been preparing themselves and competing in post competitions. This means the level of competition is going to be far higher this year at the Army level, making the competition more fierce than it’s ever been.

The Fort Hood Combatives Tournament was held here Feb. 13-16, and make no mistake about it, based on what I saw then, I expect Soldiers from Fort Hood to fare very well in this tournament. We had about twice as many competitors in this year’s post tournament, and the level of talent and skill has greatly increased. I have followed their training and seen the hard work they have put into making a good showing this year. Regardless of where these warriors place in the competition, they are already winners based on the drive, determination and heart that they have displayed.

The Soldiers competing in this tournament embody the second and third lines of the Warrior Ethos: “I will never accept defeat,” and “I will never quit.” These are more than just lines in a paragraph to be memorized for a Soldier of the Month Board, and these Soldiers competing know it. They eat, sleep and breathe these lines. They get it. They dedicate countless after-duty hours to practicing their fighting skills and making sure they are in top physical condition. Being around these Soldiers in this competition motivates me like few other things can. I am extremely proud to serve with them.

This shouldn’t motivate me alone. It should motivate everyone assigned at Fort Hood. As successful as this event was last year, I need your help this year to make it even more successful so that these warriors competing for this championship get the recognition they deserve. Some of that has been taken care of. More newspapers, magazines and television stations – both local and national – will be covering the competition this year. But nothing is more satisfying than competing in front of bleachers full of a roaring crowd. We need your support to come out and cheer for our competitors beginning at 9 a.m. July 26 in Abrams Physical Fitness Center. Invite your friends and neighbors to come out watch this world-class competition.

See you there!

Phantom Warriors! Army Strong!