The just concluded Bayonet Week is as much about the potential for further community involvement as it is about continued warrior teamwork and readiness.

The event was held Sept. 6-9, and it represents the 7th Infantry Division's reestablishment of the tradition of building esprit de corps throughout the "Bayonet Division."

The division provides command and control to seven subordinate brigades and focuses on personnel, medical, material and training readiness.

Over 1,500 soldiers from 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; 16th Combat Aviation Brigade; 17th Field Artillery Brigade; 555th Engineer Brigade; 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade; and the 2nd Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY), participated in 17 different events.

Members of the Thunderbolt Team, comprised of soldiers from the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, tumble a tire during Bayonet Week competition. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson
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Dozens of teams from "Task Force Bayonet" competed in a variety of activities to include a combatives' tournament, softball, golf, marksmanship, flag football, soccer, bowling, basketball, weight lifting and fitness competition.

But Bayonet Week also signals a continued and sustained engagement and outreach to local communities.

"This event is designed to give soldiers a break from the everyday grind and maintaining the warrior ethos," commented Sgt. Maj. David Fiske, one of the week's planners.

"It is about teamwork, but it's also about the whole community and developing that community concept."

While readiness and resiliency have long been part of the Army's focus, the outreach to the local communities is growing.

Capt. Robert Monday and Pfc. Robert Aaron, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, negotiate the Reverse Climb during Bayonet Week activities. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson
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Fiske pointed out that at other bases around the country, events like Bayonet Week are celebrated and directly involve local communities.

"We will continue to develop and grow this community concept," he concluded.

A Bayonet Dinner last Thursday evening with members of battalion, brigade and division command team members and local leaders underscore this commitment.

The guidon - a standard or flag signifying unit designation - of furthered JBLM/community involvement is being lifted higher.

This lofty concept certainly was not on the minds of the Thunderbolt Team comprised of Capt. Robert Monday, as he and 2nd Lt. Kristina Cortes, Sgt. John Renzi, Pfc. Robert Aaron, and Pfc. David Ganter competed for the 17th FAB in the Guidon Challenge last Friday.

While carrying the unit guidon, the team negotiated an obstacle and confidence course, paddled a zodiac a fair distance on American Lake, carried logs and filled water cans, and ended with flipping a large tire over a 75-yard course.

Teamwork was vital; everything was done on the run; fatigue was a constant companion.

"This is about confidence, teamwork and cohesion," commented MSgt. Brian Williams, as he watched Monday help Aaron on an obstacle called the Reverse Climb.

"I emphasize the word ‘teamwork.'"

Meanwhile, Monday personified Williams' words as he stood at the climb's apex and guided Aaron as he went down the triangular-shaped obstacle headfirst.

"You can do this," Monday said.  "This is no big deal."

Just ahead of the Thunderbolt Team another five-soldier squad from the 555th Engineer Brigade began its run to American Lake and the Zodiac Row.

By early last Friday afternoon, the last of the events ended;  2nd Brigade emerged as the overall winner, with 1st Brigade and the 555th taking second and third respectively.

"This was great; it was exciting; and I would do it again," concluded Renzi.