Best Warrior Competition

Mission 

To identify and recognize the Army’s most exceptional and proficient Soldiers through a rigorous and comprehensive competition, fostering excellence in warrior skills, leadership, physical fitness, and mental resilience. The Army Best Warrior Competition seeks to inspire and challenge Soldiers to push beyond their limits; demonstrating their readiness, adaptability, and commitment to the Army values. By showcasing the highest standards of proficiency and professionalism, the competition aims to inspire and motivate Soldiers across the force to strive for excellence in their personal and professional development, thereby strengthening the Army’s overall readiness and capabilities.

About

The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the United States Army to identify and honor the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). It is designed to test Soldiers’ physical fitness, military knowledge, marksmanship, tactical proficiency, leadership abilities, and mental resilience.

The competition is open to both enlisted Soldiers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from California Army/Air National Guard. Participants compete at the unit, installation, and regional levels before advancing to the Army-wide competition. The Best Warrior Competition consists of a series of challenging events that simulate real-world combat scenarios and tasks. These events may include an Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), land navigation, weapons proficiency, obstacle courses, urban warfare simulations, tactical combat casualty care, and various written exams and oral boards to assess Soldiers’ knowledge of military doctrine, tactics, and leadership skills.

The competition not only recognizes individual Soldiers for their exceptional skills but also serves as a platform to promote camaraderie, teamwork, and professional development. It provides an opportunity for Soldiers to learn from each other, exchange best practices, and enhance their capabilities through healthy competition.

Winners of the Best Warrior Competition are awarded with prestigious titles such as “Soldier of the Year” and “Non-commissioned Officer of the Year” at the unit, installation, and Army-wide levels. These Soldiers serve as ambassadors of excellence, representing the Army and embodying the highest standards of military proficiency and professionalism.

Overall, the Best Warrior Competition plays a vital role in fostering a culture of excellence, readiness, and continuous improvement within the U.S. Army, while recognizing and honoring the outstanding Soldiers who exemplify these qualities.