ARBWC graphicThe best from America's Army Reserve will compete for the title of Best Warrior at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 23-29, 2019. This is the fifth year the competition will be held at Fort Bragg, N.C. and the 12th year overall.

Warriors representing seven Geographic Commands and 22 Functional Commands, will spend the week competing in a variety of challenges including firing weapons, land navigation, the Army Physical Fitness Test, and various mystery events. These challenges will ultimately test their capabilities, combat-readiness, and lethality.

The two winners of the Army Reserve’s Soldier and NCO of the Year and will compete against winners from the major Army commands in October at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.

Many of the Warriors' military backgrounds and experience cover the entire spectrum of the Army Reserve, to include deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, or Kuwait.

Their career fields include military police, engineering, medical, human resources and intelligence. They hail from across the country and around the world.
Media should contact Lt. Col. Adam W. Jackson, Chief, Media Relations - adam.w.jackson3.mil@mail.mil or 910-750-8337; Mr. John Bradley, Deputy Chief, Media Relations - john.b.bradley2.civ@mail.mil or 910-570-8313; or Maj. Anthony John, Media Relations Officer - anthony.e.john.mil@mail.mil or 910-570-8335. Interviews can be made available via satellite and B-roll, images, stories, and other audio-visual products are available upon request.

 

U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior NCO and Soldier of the Year 
2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior - End of Competition Video
A video retrospective of the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition, June 10-15, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Produced by 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 982nd Signal Company (Combat Camera), 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training), and U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs.
2018 Best Warrior Competition: Urban Operations
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers conduct the urban live fire event of the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition. The teams were comprised of junior enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers going through the city clearing buildings. The objective was to find a U.S. Soldier who was a prisoner of war. (US Army Reserve Video by Spc. Joshua Talley)
2018 Army Reserve Best Warrior - Selfless Service: In the Line of Duty
U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competitor, Sgt. Joseph McGough, a healthcare specialist, assigned to the 7407th Troop Medical Clinic, Army Reserve Medical Command, in Fort Harrison, Montana, lives a selfless life, giving back to the community as a medic in the U.S. Army and as a police officer for the city of Peoria, Arizona. McGough is competing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for the title of U.S. Army Reserve Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. (U.S. Army Re-serve story by Sgt. 1st. Class Donna Davis)
Night Fire 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers compete in the night fire exercise at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 12 June, 2018. This year's Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia (U.S. Army Video by Sgt. Brady Pritchett) (Released)
USARC Best Warrior Obstacle Course
More than 35 competitors competed in the Obstacle Course event today AFTER completing a 12-mile ruck march at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Command's Best Warrior Competition in Fort Bragg, North Carolina June 10-15. The Soldiers our representing seven Geographic Commands and 22 Functional Commands, and our spending the week competing in a variety of challenges including firing weapons, land navigation, the Army Physical Fitness Test, and various mystery events. These challenges will ultimately test their capabilities, combat-readiness, and lethality. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Michelle Lunato/released)
UH-60 Rappel Army Reserve Best Warrior 2018
U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior competitors from across the country rappel from UH-60 Black Hawk at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 11, 2018. Thirty six competitors representing U.S. Army reserve commands through-out the world are vying for the noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior titles. (U.S. Army Reserve video edited by Sgt. 1st Class Donna Davis)
Rappel Operations Event at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition
Competitors train in preparation for the rappel operations event at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. Thirty six competitors representing U.S. Army Reserve commands throughout the world are vying for the noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior titles. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Spc. Devin Patterson) (Released)
Rappelling Training 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competitions
U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior competitors from across the country conduct rappelling training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 11, 2018. Thirty six competitors representing U.S. Army Reserve commands throughout the world are vying for the noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior titles at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve video edited by Spc. Josue Mayorga) Sgt. Joseph McGough a combat medic with the 7407th Troop Medical Clinic and Staff Sgt. Ethan Kruger, a wheeled-vehicle mechanic with the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Camp Parks.
U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition M2 Range
U.S. Army Reserve warriors from across the country fire the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve Video by Sgt. Brady Pritchett)
Combat Pistol Excellence in Combat Army Reserve Best Warrior 2018
U.S. Army Reserve warriors from across the country compete in the Combat Pistol Excellence in Competition event at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. To qualify for an EIC bronze badge, warriors must place in the top 10 percent of all non-distinguished competitors in a match. After earning 20 points, warriors receive the silver badge. Competitors accruing 30 points earn the Distinguished Marksmanship Badge. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve Video by Spc. Josue Mayorga)
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Fitness Test And Army Physical Fitness Test
US Army Reserve Soldiers conduct German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Fitness Test (GAFPB), followed by the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) at Towle Stadium. Then after the APFT, the warriors participate in the swimming event of the GAFPB at Tucker pool in Fort Bragg, N.C. June 10, 2018. In order to receive the GAFPB badge, warriors participate in a 110m shuttle run, flex arm hang, 1000m run, 100m swim in uniform. The APFT warriors did a many push ups and sit ups in 2 minutes, and their fastest time to run the 2 mile. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army video by SPC Joshua Talley) Interview: US Army Reserve Sgt. David Gutierrez, a 31 Bravo(Military Police) representing the 422nd Military Police Company, 11th Military Brigade, out of Bakersfield, California.
2017 Army Reserve Best Warrior end of competition video
The Army Reserve’s best competed for the title of Best Warrior at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 11-17, 2017. Over 44 Soldiers spent the week competing in a variety of challenges including firing weapons, land navigation, the Army Physical Fitness Test, and various mystery events.
2016 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Video
2016 Army Reserve Best Warrior end of competition video.
Best Warrior News
MORE PHOTOS
316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers test for the Best Warrior
Seventeen U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command vied for Best Warrior during the annual 316th ESC BWC held at Camp Dawson, West Virginal March 3-8. The event pushed junior enlisted Soldiers to their physical and mental limits through various Warrior tasks.
March 13, 2019 - Each year, nearly two dozen Soldiers from across the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command’s 80 units from eight states in the northeastern portion of the U.S. are inspired to take on the annual Best Warrior Competition.
9th MSC hosts joint Best Warrior competition with Hawaii National Guard
2019 Best Warrior Competition NCO winner Sgt. Christopher Hadley, Bravo Co., 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment and Soldier of the Year Spc. John Aquino, Echo Co., 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment flank Brigadier General Douglas Anderson, Commander of 9th Mission Support Command, at Fort Shafter Flats on March 3, 2019. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edwin Basa, 305th MPAD)
March 6, 2019 - Seventeen Soldiers from the 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) competed to be named best of the best at the 2019 Best Warrior Competition, March 1-3. BWC is jointly operated between the Army Reserve and the HIARNG. However, the 9th MSC has taken the lead in planning this year's event.
Behind the lens: Ghost writers tell the story
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment out of Nashville, Tennessee interview a Soldier during the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Command's Best Warrior Competition (SARC BWC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina June 10-15. The 11-person team of public affairs Soldiers covered the USARC BWC not only to document the event but to fulfill their annual training requirements. (U.S. Army Reserve Courtesy photo/released)
June 26, 2018 - A good story keeps the reader’s interest. A great story makes the reader feel or act. Regardless of the format—pictures, videos or articles—stories have the power to freeze time and capture a moment of history that can never be recreated.
Warriors compete to be the best at U.S. Army Reserve competition
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Chase Craig, an observer coach-trainer from Okarche, Oklahoma, with the 3rd Company, 290th Observation and Control Training Battalion, 1st Brigade, 91st Training Division, 84th Training Command (Unit Readiness), and U.S. Army Reserve Spc. John Mundey, a bridge crewmember from Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 459th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), 299th Combat Engineer Battalion, 412th Theater Engineer Command, received the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Noncommissioned Officer and Best Warrior at an awards banquet held at the Crown Plaza at Fayetteville, North Carolina, June 15, 2018. U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers competed in The 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition held at Fort Bragg, North Carolina from June 10-15, 2018. When all scores have been calculated and competitors have rested after the grueling competition, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Excellence in Competition pistol badge, and the U.S. Army Reserve 2018 Best Warrior noncommissioned officer and enlisted Soldier titles are awarded. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Anshu Pandeya) (Released)
June 15, 2018 - U.S. Army Reserve Spc. John Mundey and U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Chase Craig were named as winners of the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Best Warrior and Best Noncommissioned Officer in a ceremony at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on June 15, 2018.
Craig, Mundey named U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition winners
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Chase Craig, an observer coach-trainer from Okarche, Oklahoma, with the 3rd Company, 290th Observation and Control Training Battalion, 1st Brigade, 91st Training Division, 84th Training Command (Unit Readiness), performs a low crawl on obstacle four of the Fort Bragg Air Assault School Obstacle Course. Touching the barbed wire with any part of their body during this lane results in disqualification, requiring the competitor to be returned to the beginning of the lane to try again or continue with a loss of points. Thirty-six warriors continue to vie for the title of United States Army Reserve Best Warrior during the grueling multifaceted competition that has so far included elements of physical training, weapons marksmanship and familiarization, warrior tasks and battle drills, essay writing, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge testing and many other events. The competition began 9 June and will conclude with an awards luncheon 15 June, 2018 (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield/released).
June 15, 2018 - Sgt. Chase Craig and Spc. John Mundey were named the U.S. Army Reserve Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year, respectively, during the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition award ceremony at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on June 15.
Urban assault course boosts morale
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Michael Mangan, a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer with the 439th Quartermaster Company, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, clear a room during the shoot-house event at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 11, 2018. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Anshu Pandeya) (Released)
June 15, 2018 - The U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior urban assault course not only challenged competitors physically and mentally, but it also served as a morale booster during the 2018 Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Best Warrior competitor from The Gambia gives his best while giving back
Spc. Pateh Jawo, a Medical Laboratory Specialist representing the 7387th Blood Detachment, Southern Medical Area Readiness Support Group, Army Reserve Medical Command competes in the Combat Pistol Excellence in Competition Match at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Spc. Devin Patterson) (Released)
June 13, 2018 - Featuring the most tactical, proficient and lethal Citizen Soldiers, the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition kicked off Sunday, June 9 with an informal mixer at Marshall Hall. Soldiers shuffled in one by one, donning the typical markings of business casual attire: khakis and an assortment of plainly-colored polos. There was also the occasional t-shirt for more leisurely competitors and one unexpected three-piece suit. But one Soldier in particular commanded attention when he entered the hall in his vibrant, varicolored tunic featuring traditional African design.
Honor, integrity on and off the trail
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Louis Rodriguez, a senior drill sergeant with the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) out of Sacramento California, watches over a Soldier on the Zero Range during the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg June 10. More than 35 Soldiers representing seven Geographic Commands and 22 Functional Commands, will spend the week competing in a variety of challenges including firing weapons, land navigation, the Army Physical Fitness Test, and various mystery events. These challenges will ultimately test their capabilities, combat-readiness, and lethality. The Army Reserve’s top Soldier and NCO of the Year and will compete against winners from the major Army commands in October at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Maj. Michelle Lunato/Released)
June 13, 2018 - When most people think of drill sergeants, they think of disciplined instructors, intimidating stares and squared-away, by-the-book Soldiers. While these rigid images may all be true, it is only one side of the iconic job in today’s Army Reserve.
Doubling Down: U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers compete for more than Best Warrior honors
U.S. Army Reserve Spc. William S. Laws, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with the 318th Chemical Company, 490th Chemical Battalion, 415th Chemical Brigade, 76th Operational Response Command, competes in the swimming event of the German Armed Forces Badge at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. This year's Best Warrior competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Rachel A. Leis)
June 12, 2018 - This year, top performers in America’s Ready Reserve have a special opportunity to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge while participating in the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Best Warriors compete to earn rare marksmanship badge
Sgt. Carlos Fuentes, an information technology specialist respresenting the 166th Regional Support Group, 1st Mission Support Command at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, competes in the Combat Pistol Excellence in Competition event at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Anshu Pandeya) (Released)
June 11, 2018 - Noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers competing in this year's U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition will not only have the opportunity to be the Best Warrior, but also to accrue points to earn a rare distinction in the Excellence in Competition Program.
Soldiering On: Hurricane Maria survivor competes with Army Reserve's best
Sgt. Carlos Fuentes, a Local Area Network manager representing the 166th Regional Support Group, 1st Mission Support Command competes in the Combat Pistol Excellence in Competition event at the 2018 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2018. This year’s Best Warrior Competition will determine the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the U.S. Army Reserve in the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Spc. Devin Patterson) (Released)
June 11, 2018 - Puerto Rico has been a fixture in the national dialogue ever since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in Sept. 2017. Though recovery efforts continue, many Puerto Ricans are putting their lives back together and pressing forward each day. One individual is U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Carlos Fuentes, who serves as an information technology specialist with the 166th Regional Support Group, 1st Mission Support Command at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. He is one of two Soldiers representing the command this year in the U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition.
ARMEDCOM Best Warrior 2018
Maj. Gen. Mary Link, commanding general for Army Reserve Medical Command, and Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Wayne Brewster join the top U.S. Army Reserve Soldier, Spc. Christopher Polk, and Non-Commissioned Officer, Sgt. Joseph McGough, who were selected to go on to the next level to represent ARMEDCOM at the Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition in June of this year. Runners-up for both categories were U.S. Army Reserve Soldier, Spc. Vongpheth Sophouthalangsy, and Non-Commissioned Officer, Staff Sgt. Chadric Coley. ARMEDCOM commends all of this year’s competitors for their hard work, diligence and follow-through throughout the competition.
May 2, 2018 - “I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never
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2018 Best Warrior Winners

Sgt. Chase Craig/84th Training Command

Sgt. Chase Craig
U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year
84th Training Command

Spc. John Mundey/412th Theater Engineer Command

Spc. John Mundey
U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year
412th Theater Engineer Command

  • Previous ARBWC Winners

    2017
    Cpl. Carlo Deldonno
    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year


    Spc. Kenny Ochoa
    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2016

    Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Moeller*

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

    *Dept. of the Army NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Michael Orozco

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2015

    Staff. Sgt. Andrew Fink*

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

    *Dept. of the Army NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Bryce Parker

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2014

    Staff Sgt. Landon Nordby

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Keegan Carlson

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2013

    Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella*

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

    *Dept. of the Army NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Mitchell Fromm

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2012

    Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Rios

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Michael Swan

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2011

    Sgt. Christopher Coucho

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Ryan Barger

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2010

    Sgt. David Ryder

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Joshua McDowell

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2009

    Staff Sgt. Aaron Butler

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Shiloh Becher

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2008

    Sgt. Francisco Gutierrez

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. David Obray*

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    *Dept. of the Army Soldier of the Year

    2007

    Sgt. Edward Chisholm

    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

     

    Spc. Brian Hancock

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

View FEATURE PROFILES of previous U.S. Army Reserve winners at the Dept. of the Army Best Warrior competition.
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