TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – The Tennessee Army National Guard and two Bulgarian Armed Forces soldiers participated in the State Best Warrior Competition March 13-16.
Ten competitors represented Tennessee’s major Army commands, vying for the titles Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
“It’s an honor to represent my brigade and compete at the state level,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rame Awad of the 35th Division Sustainment Brigade. “It’s been challenging, fun and something every Soldier should strive for. This competition refreshes you on warrior tasks; even though it is a competition, we all help one another.”
The Best Warrior Competition is a culminating event divided into two categories: junior enlisted leaders competing for Soldier of the Year and noncommissioned officers contending for Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Soldiers faced realistic scenarios that tested attention to detail, individual skills and teamwork. Competitors were scored based on their performance.
This year’s event challenged competitors physically and mentally, incorporating more dynamic activities than previous years. Over four days, participants completed a 12-mile ruck march, medical training, land navigation, weapons qualification, written exams and essential Soldier tasks.
“To be competing for Soldier of the Year is an exciting moment,” said Spc. Zina Abutaleb of the 35th Division Sustainment Brigade. “I am excited to absorb all the knowledge and take it back to my peers in hopes of seeing them here next year.”
Tennessee invited its partner country, Bulgaria, to participate in this competition as part of its ongoing joint training mission. The Tennessee National Guard and the Bulgarian Armed Forces have collaborated through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program for over 25 years. The program facilitates training with allied countries, enhancing cohesion between military forces.
“This competition was a very good experience,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dimitar Demirev of the Bulgarian 3rd Mechanized Brigade. “I have formed lasting friendships with the Guardsmen of Tennessee.”
Spc. Brian Hayes of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment was named Soldier of the Year, while Staff Sgt. Christopher Wheeker of the Regional Training Institute earned the title of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
“This was a good competition,” said Hayes. “It was tough and challenging, but overall it provided valuable training.”
Hayes and Wheeker will represent Tennessee at the Region III Best Warrior Competition later this year.