Staff Writer
Every year, when they’re home together for Christmas, 2nd Lt. Spencer Tadken and his older brother hold a wrestling match in the house just to see who is better.
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| Squad tactical officer for Co. E 1/46th Inf., 2nd Lt. Spencer Tadken, enjoys good competition. His goal is to complete Ranger school and be among the best in the infantry. Photo by Kelsey Sullivan |
“I have the crown right now,” Tadken said.
It’s always been about the challenge and competitiveness for Tadken. He and his older brother were always on opposing baseball teams growing up, and their competitive relationship always translated onto the field.
“When we would see each other on the field, it was always straight game-face,” Tadken said. “I’ve always tried to be like my brother, and he always tried to be like me.”
He and his brother, two years his senior, have battled each other in nearly everything they’ve done, and once his brother joined the Marines, Tadken soon followed with his own pursuits in the Army.
“He led the way, and I’ve kind of followed in his footsteps,” Tadken said.
The University of Maryland graduate’s competitive nature isn’t the only thing that manifests itself in his Army career. He likes a good challenge as well. His primary goal is to be among the best in infantry by completing Ranger School.
“I don’t want to just be ‘that guy.’ I want to be a standout person within the branch,” Tadken said. “I look for the hardest thing – whatever’s the most competitive, that’s just what I want to do.
“I like getting my ass kicked. It may suck at the time, but afterwards, you feel good about it.”
Being a Ranger isn’t just a goal for Tadken, it’s his sole objective.
“I want that tab, that’s the first goal,” Tadken said of the Ranger tab. “I kind of shoot it one goal at a time. I’ll take it day-by-day after that.”
Sgt. Charles Pepau, a drill sergeant for 3rd Squad in the same platoon, has observed Tadken throughout his leadership so far and said he’s knowledgeable.
“He’s squared away. He’s high-speed,” Sgt. Pepau said. “He knows the information he needs to teach the Cadets.
“He’s still got a lot to learn, but he’s on top of the game.”
Being a squad tactical officer for Co. E 1/46th Inf. at the Leader’s Training Course has been fulfilling experience for the 22-year-old. Leading 4th Platoon, 5th Squad has also taught him a valuable lesson.
“It just hit me recently how much influence we have over these guys. They’re gonna remember us for a long time,” Tadken said. “That’s the most rewarding part about all of this.”