CAMP SMITH, N.Y. - In a display of strength, agility and technical prowess, 21 New York and Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen competed in the Minutemen Combative Competition Feb. 2-3.
The annual event promotes unit cohesion, physical fitness and combat readiness.
The two-day event tests service members’ skills in hand-to-hand combat, featuring a series of matches testing their proficiency in Modern Army Combative Program techniques, a military martial arts system taught to U.S. Soldiers in the Army by the 106th Regional Training Institute.
Massachusetts Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Gerald Meuse, assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, won in the lightweight division, while New York National Guard Maj. Joshua Bennet, assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, took the heavyweight prize.
“We’re proud to participate in this competition, showcasing our physical and mental toughness,” said New York Army National Guard Maj. George Curran, a member of the 153rd Troop command competing for his second year. “We have doubled the numbers of competitors this year with the Air National Guard participating, and many of the same faces coming back from last year.”
The first day followed a bracket-style format, with the winners advancing to compete the following day. Participants faced off against each other in timed, 7-minute matches in a controlled environment.
Certified combative instructors scored the matches based on the combatants’ techniques, aggression and control on the mat.
Meuse showed impressive grappling skills and hand-to-hand striking techniques during the lightweight competition.
“I’m honored to represent the Massachusetts National Guard. I train regularly in martial arts,” Meuse said. “It’s an honor to represent the Army and show we can remain calm under pressure.”
Bennet demonstrated his dominance in the heavyweight division, using his strength and agility to outmaneuver his opponents.
“It was tough, but luckily, I have a good background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and striking, so many of the competitors were not ready for that even if they had 80 pounds on me,” Bennet said.
“I encourage every Soldier and Airmen to participate in stuff like this; I think it’s great for the military,” Bennet said. “It builds cohesion, readiness and all the good things you want out of the military.”