An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 3, 2010

Army Guard’s best warriors compete at Benning

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy, National Guard Bureau

FORT BENNING, Ga., - Fourteen of the Army National Guard’s top Soldiers and non-commissioned officers competed in the annual Best Warrior competition here at the Warrior Training Center last week.

They vied for the chance to represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army’s competition, which will be held at Fort Lee, Va., in September.

“All these guys are on top of their game,” said Spc. Matt Ryan, from Maryland’s 291st Army Liaison Team. “It’s a little bit intimidating honestly. All these guys are so good with all they do.”

For many competitors, that level of skill and expertise was motivating.

“That’s the nice thing about the position we’re all in right now,” said Spc. Ryan Teter, from Colorado’s D Company, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group. “We all know that the guys around us are squared away and they are hard workers and they all want to be here. It’s nice to have good dudes around you, and you don’t have to worry about anyone not being squared away.”

Despite that, the competition—which many competitors described as part Expert Infantry Badge test and part Best Ranger Competition—proved for many to be a challenging one.

The competitors pushed through ruck marches, casualty evacuation, urban operations scenarios as well as having to engage targets while on the run after a simulated improvised explosive device strike, all while having little sleep and little rest between events.

“Everything is coming at you at once,” said Ryan. “It’s just non-stop, no sleep, just grind it out. I think when we’re all tired and hurting everything is going to be just that much harder.”

That constant grind of events is what many competitors said was the most challenging aspect of the competition.

“The physical events (are) all back to back,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin McMackin, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard. “PT test, followed by Combat Water Survival Test followed shortly by the ruck march and the land nav course, it’s going to be tough even for those that are in superb physical condition. Any of us that are kind of lacking in that department (are) going to be struggling.”

Despite the fact that this is a competition, participants still helped each other prepare for the different events and passed on techniques and tricks for negotiating many of the events.

“People that are struggling in certain things, other guys are helping them out and giving them pointers,” said McMackin. “We’re here as competitors, but we’re all Soldiers first.”

Prior to arriving at this level, each competitor won a similar competition at the unit, state and then regional level, which meant months of preparation and training to make it to Fort Benning.

“It was a long road,” said Ryan. “I started in December last year and won the brigade Best Warrior Competition and moved on to the state, then regional and here I am.”

Though, for Ryan, a combat medic, events like evaluating a casualty required little training on because of prior knowledge.

“That’s the one thing I’m not worried about compared to everything else,” he said.

Still, competitors stressed the importance of preparing for the competition, even while it seems daunting.

“Maintain a positive attitude about everything,” said McMakin. “Other than that, just keep your head up and do a lot of physical training. As you progress through the different boards the physical events get a lot tougher so as soon as you start physical training the better off you’ll be.”

Despite the challenges, McMackin said taking part in the competition was worth the effort required.

“Each region sent the best they had,” he said. “I just feel honored to be here competing with them.”

The results of the completion, including the winners, will be announced at the annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States this month.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, fire protection craftsman assigned to the 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, extinguishes a fire during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2025. During the DFT, the 156th CES developed their skill proficiency in a new area of responsibility while supporting real-world projects that support the U.S. European Command operations.
Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano
By Senior Airman Victoria Jewett, | July 7, 2025
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European...

Airmen from the 168th Wing Medical Group, along with their counterparts from other Air National Guard units, conduct radiation monitoring during field training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, June 2025. The training enhances the unit’s ability to detect and respond to radiological threats in deployed or contingency environments.
Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 7, 2025
ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. — The Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing Medical Group continues to strengthen its operational edge, proving lethality in today’s battlespace isn’t just about combat power -...

Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...