WASHINGTON, D.C. –
A First Army NCO represented Western Hemisphere Command in an Army-wide competition last month.
Sgt. 1st Class Alberto Santana of the First Army Inspector General’s inspections section was in Washington, D.C., for the Army IG of the Year event, held May 18-21. Throughout the week, Santana and the other dozen competitors were tested on their knowledge of IG roles and functions. This included: Teaching and training; inspections, investigations; and assisting. The competition also featured an 80-question test and a mystery event.
Santana explained, “Some of the events were assisting an investigation and we had whistle blower reprisal. It was mostly tests, there were some briefings, and some slides we had to create.”
While the competition proved challenging since Santana had to go beyond the inspections he normally does, he found the wide-ranging experience valuable. He also appreciated the chance to dialogue with other IG Soldiers and Army IG leaders about the field.
While Santana was surprised when he found he won at the Western Hemisphere Command level, it came as no shock to the First Army’s IG NCOIC, Master Sgt. Richard Williams.
“Sgt. 1st Class Santana leads by example,” Williams said. “When it comes to inspections he is so detailed, as he’s the same way when talking with general officers and letting them know the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. All that takes a lot of detail and knowledge, and when it comes to researching how to improve systems and processes, he does outstanding work.”
In his role, Santana said he most enjoys the variety that comes with his job.
“I like the interaction with other units and learning from them,” he said. “There are many ways of doing things and everywhere you go, they have a different process on how to do a certain job,” he said. “I like how everyone does things differently but they don’t deviate from the standard. I like learning from other people and units. The biggest challenge is the travel but that’s necessary in order for us to be able to see the other places and units.”
Whether doing his daily job or taking part in a competition, Santana said one of the keys is staying on top of the regulations.
“Know them, read them a lot,” he said. “That makes the difference.”
Meanwhile, Santana, who is scheduled to PCS to Fort Shafter, Hawaii, said the competition will help him down the road: “There were definitely some experiences that I can put to use in furthering my career.”