'Master Sergeant Kwon, Sgt. 1 Class Marrero -best U.S. Mangudai warrior: SSG. Joshua Hedberg, Marine Corps Forces Korea Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Gil Ho, Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, along with the winners of last year's best Mangudai warrior Award, Master Sgt. Kwon and Sgt. 1st Class Marrero commend Staff Sgt. Joshua Hedberg, Marine Corps Forces Korea, with this year's best U.S. Mangudai warrior award. Joshua Hedberg, Marine Corps Forces Korea, receives this year's best U.S. Mangudai warrior award from the official party and the winners of last year's best Mangudai warriors, May 15. From the left: Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Gil Ho, Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, Sgt. 1st Class Marrero, Master Sgt. Kwon, and Gen. Scaparrotti.'
YONGSAN GARRISON — On May 15, families, friends, and service members gather at field number seven to congratulate the 106 senior-enlisted soldiers returning from the 58-hour Mangudai Warrior challenge.
The term “Mangudai” dates back to the 13th century, coming from the Mongol tribe that undertook a rigorous selection process in order to provide elite forces for Genghis Khan’s army. Drawing similarities from the past, the exercise itself is used as a training tool, as well as a team building experience to test military personnel under harsh conditions, allowing almost no sleep and only a scarce amount of food.
“These non-commissioned officers and petty officers had to endure some of the most ambiguous conditions and harshest tasks that they could accomplish,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, Command Sgt. Maj. United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea. “But they accomplished it through teamwork, leadership, and command-control and mission-command by enlisted troops for this mission.”
Each individual from the graduate body, composed of members from both the Republic of Korea and the United States, steps up onto to the stage to receive their rightfully earned certificates and handshakes from the official party. After stepping down, the graduates are also greeted by the Mangudai mentors who helped them complete the challenge.
“As I look at these warriors, I can imagine the abundance of training courses at schools that they’ve all attended to earn badges, ribbons, and certifications that denote their past accomplishments,” said Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Commanding Gen. United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea. “However, completing this challenge over the past three days speaks highly of their current skills and their abilities, as well as their determination to lead the way as senior-enlisted leaders.”
Although the participants were tried on their abilities to overcome obstacles and push their limits, the exercise went beyond the scope of the individual sphere and shed light upon the alliance as well. The soldiers from the two nations trained side by side, experiencing hardships together while forging mutual trust and cohesion.
“These bonds have shown teamwork and enable our defense of South Korea, helping us to synchronize our efforts to accomplish our mission,” said Scaparrotti.
Apart from all the graduates, including the winners of the best Mangudai warrior for the R.O.K. and U.S. participants, the Mangudai mentors, Mangudai support team, and the sponsors are recognized on stage for their pivotal role in the exercise.
At the end of the ceremony, the warriors enjoy a long-awaited feast that has been prepared in honor of those who participated and contributed in the challenge, before going back to the comfort of their own homes.
