DATE: October 18, 2017 3:22:36 PM CDT

FLW NCO claims 2017 Army NCO of the year title

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI 65473
VOICE: 573-563-4145
FAX: 573-563-4012
BY: Public Affairs Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staff Sgt. Ryan McCarthy, who is assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, conducts a physical fitness assessment during the Best Warrior Competition on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Oct. 2, 2017. McCarthy went on to win the top NCO award during the competition. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholaus Williams)

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – Enduring a weeklong competition that was mentally and physically demanding, a Fort Leonard Wood noncommissioned officer stakes claim to the coveted 2017 Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year title.

An engineer Soldier, Staff Sgt. Ryan McCarthy, assigned as a Sapper Leader Course instructor, came away from this year’s competition with trophy in hand as the NCO of the year.

McCarthy said the uncertainty of not knowing what would occur during the events gave him a taste of what he trains his students on.

“Like what I tell Sapper students all the time,” said McCarthy, 27, of Belgrade Lakes, Maine, “if you treat it like it’s real, you will be successful.”

His leadership skills were also tested under pressure. “They really evaluated you on your ability to adapt as a leader and your ability to thrive in chaos,” he said.

With McCarthy, two Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers claimed the titles of best in the Army when Staff Sgt. Chad Hickey was named the Training and Doctrine Command Drill Sergeant of the Year in September. Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers have now claimed the top drill sergeant title four years in a row.

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Contact the Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office at 573.563.4145 for more information.