FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – A Pennsylvania National Guard Soldier is competing this week in the 2019 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., and the Pentagon.
Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein, an instructor with 1st battalion, 166th Regiment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and 10 other noncommissioned officers from the major commands are vying for the title of the Army’s noncommissioned officer of the year.
During the six-day contest, which ends Friday, 22 warriors will test their knowledge and skills by conquering urban warfare simulations, demonstrating critical thinking, formal board interviews, physical fitness challenges, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills.
“The state has been very supportive. There’s been a five- to six-week train-up,” said Friedlein. His preparation included running, lifting, ruck marches, obstacle courses, land navigation, medical lanes, shooting, the Squad Advanced Marksmanship Trainer and more.
Before reaching the Army level competition, Friedlein beat his peers at the unit, state, region, and Army National Guard levels to represent all 54 National Guards against Reserve and active duty commands. In 2016, He and his partner became the first Guard members to win the Best Ranger competition.
Friedlein has been training with Spc. Hunter Olson with 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, who will represent the National Guard in the Best Soldier portion of the Army Best Warrior Competition and was a fellow Region 2 winner at the Guard level.
“It’s good to train with him because we won’t be competing against each other and we’ll be able to help each other out like we did at nationals,” said Friedlein.
Friedlein said he is grateful for the support of his wife and family, which includes a new baby born soon after the National Guard level competition.
A Soldier can only compete at the Army level Best Warrior competition once. Friedlein said he is confident and plans to make the most of the opportunity.