FORT IRWIN, Calif. — A 75th Field Artillery Brigade Soldier from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was named the FORSCOM NCO of the Year for 2020.

Fort Irwin also had representatives to compete in the competition, one being Staff Sgt. Joshua Jordan.

Due to COVID-19, the FORSCOM Best Warrior Competition was done by submitting a board packet.

The packet included a 500-plus word essay about the soldier’s squad, an Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) scorecard, weapons card, a biography and a personal data sheet.

“We also had to submit a video telling the board members about yourself and why you should be FORSCOM NCO of the year for 2020,” Jordan said.

Jordan is a Transportation Management Coordinator for the 171 Movement Control Team at Fort Irwin.

Although Jordan is currently stationed at Fort Irwin, he was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He joined the Army at 18 to serve his country.

“I always wanted to have an impact on the world and be a part of something positive that’s bigger than myself,” Jordan said. “As an 18-year-old, I realized the U.S. Army could provide me with that opportunity.

Family, soldiers and ambition motivated Jordan to compete in the DA level Best Warrior Competition.

“As a father of two boys, I want to build a foundation for them to be inspired by to always strive for greatness,” Jordan said. “As a parent, my kids are always a driving force behind almost everything I do. They force me to better myself without even knowing it.”

The competition had many challenges for the competitors and it was filled with physical and mental tests.

Jordan’s sponsor who helped him prepare for the competition was Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Delgado.

By helping Jordan, Delgado and First Sergeants within that battalion created mock boards, pushed his physical limits and showed overall support.

Time management created a few challenges for Jordan while preparing for this level of competition.

He had to find a balance between family time, work, college and competition preparation.

Currently, Jordan attends Barstow Community College for his associates studying in business administration.

“I chose this field because it will help me alongside my military training to become a contract specialist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” he said. “I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree from a California State University (CSU).”

Outside of school and work, Jordan enjoys reading and baking in his free time. Last year he read 12 books, one each month.

He decided to further expand and strengthen his intellect without it affecting or impacting his daily routine dramatically.

“Leadership, business and mystery are the genres I mostly read,” Jordan said. “I was inspired by Jay Shetty.”

Many people have inspired Jordan throughout his life, but his mentor Charles Ross has had an impact throughout his whole military career.

Ross was Jordan’s first squad leader who taught Jordan to master the basics.

“He mastered everything he did, always maxed PT (physical training) and weapons and was a subject master expert in his job,” Jordan said. “That showed me the type of leader I wanted to develop into.”