For the first time, Pride Week includes unit-sponsored competition, including marksmanship, boxing and weightlifting, in an effort to build camaraderie and morale.

Pride Week concludes Friday, when Jacoby will lead his soldiers on a 5.2-mile run. About 20,000 are expected to participate.

“It will be a good opportunity for him to reinforce a message this week that Fort Lewis has done a lot for the Army and the nation,” said Maj. Nick Joslin, the officer in charge of organizing Pride Week.

On Tuesday, five soldiers in body armor strained to push a 5,000-pound military vehicle 100 meters in the fastest time as others cheered them on. Seven teams competed, representing all the major subordinate commands assigned to the post.

“It doesn’t take the engine to move the vehicle; it takes the soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Steven Freeman, 37. “If all we had was the equipment, it wouldn’t do us any good. We need our soldiers.”

Sgt. David Meigs, who competed in the event, said it demonstrated teamwork and endurance.

“It gets you jazzed about doing something cool with your friends in the unit,” the 27-year-old said, trying to catch his breath.

At Soldiers Field House, soldiers were striking and grappling during the combatives, or unarmed combat. Nearly 120 soldiers turned out for the competition, which was divided into weight classes.

Spc. Dale Griffin, 27, advanced to the semifinal in his heavyweight class. Griffin is assigned to the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division – Fort Lewis’ newest Stryker combat brigade – and said a lot of soldiers haven’t yet become acquainted.

“We’re starting to get to know people in the brigade, so it’s pretty cool,” he said.