In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, four soldiers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, based in Ashland City, Tennessee, secured the top position at the 2024 Sullivan Cup. This prestigious competition, held at Fort Moore, Georgia, from April 29 to May 3, is a testament to the proficiency and excellence of tank crews from across the globe.
The Sullivan Cup, organized biennially by the U.S. Army Maneuver Center, is a rigorous competition that assesses the best M1 Abrams tank and Bradley fighting vehicle crews. Competitors, including those from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and allied nations, undergo a series of challenges focusing on maneuver, sustainment, and gunnery skills to identify the preeminent crew in the armor branch. The 2024 competition saw the Tennessee National Guard emerge victorious for the tank crew category, while the 1st Cavalry Division clinched the title for the best Bradley crew.
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Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, praised the soldiers for their outstanding achievement, emphasizing the significance of their victory on an international stage. The competition attracted 62 participants, with representation from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, alongside various U.S. divisions.
Staff Sgt. David Riddick, the tank commander of the victorious 278th crew, expressed the profound importance of their win, highlighting the intense preparation and dedication required to compete at such a high level. Riddick, alongside Sgt. Joshua Owen, Spc. Noah Eddings, and Spc. Seth Carter, faced a series of demanding challenges, including live-fire exercises and simulated combat scenarios, designed to replicate the complexities of the battlefield.
Their success in overcoming 10 other teams, including six from active-duty Army units and four from allied nations, is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the strong bond between the crew members. The victory not only celebrates their exceptional combat skills but also brings honor to Tennessee, showcasing the state’s commitment to excellence and the indomitable spirit of its soldiers.
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