The best from the U.S. Army Reserve compete annually for the title of Best Warrior. Representing seven Geographic Commands and 22 Functional Commands, Soldiers spend a 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 and combat-readiness.

The two winners of the Army Reserve’s Soldier and NCO of the Year go on to compete against winners from the major Army commands later in the year.

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. Simon Flake, Chief, Media Relations - simon.b.flake.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 Lt. Col. 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.

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SPOTLIGHT
2020 USARC Best Warrior Competition - End of Competition Video
Approximately 40 U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from across the nation traveled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Calvin Reimold, Spc. Maria Casneiro, Spc. Larissa Peterson, Sgt. John Berry, Sgt. Rachel Diehm, and Sgt. William Ploeg )
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Day 5
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition continued with an unknown distance ruck and a Sergeants' Major Board.
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition - 8 Mile Ruck March
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers compete in an 8 mile ruck march and participate in a Sergeants Major board during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Sept. 9, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Diehm, Sgt. William Ploeg, Sgt. John Barry, and Spc. Larissa Peterson).
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Sergeants Major Board
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers appeared before a Sergeants Major board as the culminating exercise of the Best Warrior Competition on Fort McCoy WI, Sept. 9, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. John Berry and Spc. Larissa Peterson)
2020 Reserve Command Best Warrior Competiton Land Navigation Course
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers completed a night/day land navigation course, testing their abilities to find and plot points in the pitch black Fort McCoy morning, Sept. 8, 2020. After their three hour hike through the thick brush, they enjoyed a hot meal and a brief respite from the action. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. John Berry, Spc. Larissa Peterson, and Calvin Reimold)
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition Military Police Lanes
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers engaged a simulated Military Police exercise in the town of CACTF on Fort McCoy WI, Sept. 8, 2020. The simulation featured an entry control point, a lively town square, celebratory gunfire, high value targets, and hidden tunnels to weapon caches. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. John Berry and Spc. Larissa Peterson)
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Day 4
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition continued with an improvised explosive device detection lane, a military police exercise, land navigation, and an M4 live-fire night shoot.
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition Counter IED
U.S. Army Soldiers practice counter IED operations on Fort McCoy WI., Sept. 8, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. William Ploeg and Sgt. Rachel Diehm)
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition Night Shoot
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers fire under the cover of darkness with the assistance of tube flares to illuminate targets on a 300-meter range on Fort McCoy WI., Sept. 8, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. William Ploeg and Sgt. Rachel Diehm)
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Day 3
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition continued with the Excellence in Competition Pistol range, M4, M17, and M26 "3 gun" lane, M249, M240B, M2 machine gun ranges, M320 grenade launcher, and a shoot house with UTM rounds.
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Day 2
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition continued with the obstacle course, a 12 mile Ruck March, range qualifications with the M17 and M4, and finally medical simulation lanes.
2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Day 1
The 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition kicked off with the Army Combat Fitness Test and the German Basic Fitness Test and 100M swim as part of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge test.
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition Swim Test
Approximately 50 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition – Army Combat Fitness Test and German Basic Fitness Test
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers conduct the Army Combat Fitness Test and the German Basic Fitness Test during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Sept. 5, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Diehm and Sgt. William Ploeg.)
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition – Confidence and Condition Courses
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers participate in the confidence and conditioning courses during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Sept. 5, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Diehm, Sgt. William Ploeg, Spc. Larissa Peterson, and Sgt. John Berry
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition – Medical Skills Training Center
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers conduct a Tactical Combat Casualty Care exercise at the Medical Skills Training Center during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Sept. 6, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Diehm.)
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition 12 Mile Ruck
U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the U.S. Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition, conduct a 12-mile ruck march to Army standards at Fort McCoy, WI., Sept. 6, 2020. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. John Berry, Sgt. Rachel Diehm, Sgt. William Ploeg, Spc. Larissia Peterson)
2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior M4 and M17 Qualification B-Roll
U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competitors showcase their skills with the M4 Carbine and M17 Pistol. The M17 portion of the event includes qualifying for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge and standard Army pistol qualification. The M4 event features the Army’s new barricade qualification standards with prone unsupported, prone supported, kneeling supported, standing supported, and a simulated chemical attack. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation travelled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. John Berry and Spc. Larissa Peterson)
Congratulations, USAR Best Warriors!
The competitors met every challenge — from the new ACFT to a 12-mile ruck march to range skills testing — to vie for the top NCO and top Soldier spots in the U.S. Army Reserve in this year's command Best Warrior Competition. The 2019 winners are Sgt. Joshua Smith representing the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training), winning NCO, and Spc. Collin George with the 102nd Military Police Company, 200th Military Police Command, winning Soldier. They will represent America’s Army Reserve at the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition later this year at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Take a look back at the competition at https://www.usar.army.mil/ARBWC/
BEST WARRIOR NEWS
412th Theater Engineer Command Best Warrior Competition winners
Sgt. Diego Aramayo of 365th Engineer Company in Cape Coral, Fla. poses as the NCO winner of the 412th TEC Best Warrior Competition on April 18, 2021 at Camp Shelby, Miss. (Photo by Maj. William C. Allred, 412th TEC PAO)
April 29, 2021 - Who’s the best?A question asked through time. Its answer dependent on and limited to the situation.Out of the 19 Soldiers from the 412th Theater Engineer Command, Sgt. Diego Aramayo and Pfc. Carter Houseknecht proved their...
MIRC Best Warrior Competition 2021
Soldiers from the seven brigades of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command (MIRC) participated in the Army Combat Fitness Test during the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) at Joint Base San Antonio – Camp Bullis April 17,2021. The best Soldiers from the MIRC compete in the BWC annually for the title of Best Warrior. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Travis Terreo)
April 23, 2021 - Competitors from the 301st Military Intelligence Battalion, 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 325th Military Intelligence Battalion, 383rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 336th Military Intelligence Brigade, and 505th...
412th and 416th Theater Engineer Command Soldiers rise to challenges at Best Warrior Competition
412 and 416 Theater Engineer Command Best Warrior competitors march with 35-pounds rucks for 12 miles to complete their trials. (photo by Sgt. Jared Bounds, 412th TEC PA NCO)
April 22, 2021 - Forty-one Soldiers from the 412th and 416th Theater Engineer Command (TEC) endured an eleven-event Best Warrior Competition (BWC), April 14-18 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, to prove who will compete at higher levels...
650th RSG participates in 311th ESC Best Warrior Competition
Led by Command Sgt. Maj. John Beleno, 650th Regional Support Group command sergeant major, Soldiers from the 650th RSG traveled to Fort Hunter Liggett to participate in the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition March 16-19. The Soldiers who participated in the competition were Spc. Yshnan de Mello, 306th Quartermaster Company, 314th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Sgt. Michelle Padilla, 483rd Transportation Battalion (Terminal), Spc. Rudy Hernandez and Pfc. Alec Kelley, 238th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 483rd Transportation Battalion (Terminal).
April 14, 2021 - Led by Command Sgt. Maj. John Beleno, 650th Regional Support Group command sergeant major, Soldiers from the 650th RSG traveled to Fort Hunter Liggett to participate in the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best...
3rd MCDS Soldiers compete for Best Warrior title
Sgt. Nicholas Mitchell, an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldier with the 338th Medical Brigade takes the lead in a 12-mile foot march during the Best Warrior Competition held at Ft. McClellan. Mitchell along with four other Soldiers within the 3d Medical Command Deployment Support, compete for the Best Warrior title by completing a 12-mile foot march while carrying their M4 rifle and a 35 pound backpack.
April 12, 2021 - The 2021 Best Warrior Competition is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” amongst their peers...
USACAPOC(A) Best Warrior Competitors hail from around the U.S.
U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jonathan Chacon, right, a civil affairs specialist with the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), demonstrates to his fellow competitors how to maintain an M2 .50-caliber machine gun during the first day of the 2021 the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) Best Warrior Competition at Fort Jackson, S.C. The USACAPOC(A) BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across USACAPOC(A) to earn the title of “Best Warrior.” BWC tests the Soldiers’ individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, testing their technical and tactical skills under stress and extreme fatigue.
April 8, 2021 - U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) are gathered to show their Warrior skills and compete in the USACAPOC(A) 2021 Best Warrior Competition, held...
Best Warrior competitions: A focus on physical and mental strength
The 353rd Civil Affairs Command (CACOM) competitors in the 352nd CACOM's Best Warrior Competition qualifies on various weapons to earn top honors in the event held at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, February 17-21, 2021. The Soldiers are tested on multiple technical and tactical skills under stress and extreme fatigue to identify the “Best Warrior” to represent the 353rd CACOM at the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) competition.
March 9, 2021 - When joining the Army Reserve, you may expect to find yourself shooting a weapon or completing an obstacle course, but not imagine participating in a competition that encompasses these activities. However, these events and...
653rd Regional Support Group and 77th Quartermaster Group (Petroleum) team up to host a Best Warrior Competition
Spc. Edgar Hernandez, a member of the 268th Quartermaster Company, crosses the finish line at the end of a 12-mile road march as part of the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the 653rd Regional Support Group (RSG) and 77th Quartermaster Group (QM GRP) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona February 11 through 14 in 2021. The BWC is an annual event that tests individual soldiering skills, mental agility, and tests technical and tactical proficiencies (photo by Capt. Joselyn Sydnor, 419th CSSB HHC).
March 8, 2021 - Twelve competitors from the 653rd Regional Support Group (RSG) and the 77th Quartermaster Group (QM GRP) participated in the Best Warrior Competition in early February 2021...
Medical Readiness Training Command Best Warrior Competition 2021
Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Marsiglia and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Gessler, the command team of the Army Reserve’s Medical Readiness Training Command, present 1st Lt. Matthew G. Easley and Sgt. Justin P. Kelleher with awards at the conclusion of the unit's Best Warrior Competition held Feb. 22-27, 2021 at Camp Bullis, Texas. Easley, a Medical Services Officer from Elk Grove, Calif. and Kelleher, a Human Resources Non-Commissioned Officer from Salt Lake City, Utah, were two of the ten competitors in the 6-day competition. Kelleher will represent the MRTC at the next level of competition.
March 5, 2021 - Despite a massive snowstorm shutting down much of the state of Texas, the Medical Readiness Training Command and the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted a Best Warrior Competition at Camp Bullis, Texas, the last week...
Army Reserve Soldier looks to repeat Best Warrior success
Sgt. Christine Won of the 99th Readiness Division’s 78th Army Band participates in the division's FY21 Best Warrior Competition Train-Up event Feb. 22-26 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The event will prepare Soldiers for the upcoming Combined Readiness Division BWC by improving their depth of knowledge and proficiency in military skills in a competitive tactical environment. Further, it promotes and sustains a culture of excellence, leadership, individual readiness and team-building within the command. (U.S. Army photo by Shawn Morris, 99th RD PAO)
March 2, 2021 - Sgt. Christine Won has been to the Best Warrior Competition before, but that hasn’t stopped her from coming back for more.Won joined seven of her fellow Army Reserve Soldiers in the 99th Readiness Division’s FY21 Best Warrior...
FAQs: COVID-19 impact to the U.S. Army Reserve
Dec. 22, 2020 - These questions have been submitted by Soldiers to various U.S. Army Reserve social media websites. Here, Soldiers may find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions...
483rd TTB conducts Best Warrior Competition at Mare Island
Soldiers from the 483rd Terminal Transportation Battalion traveled to Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., to participate in a Best Warrior Competition November 16-21, 2020. These Soldiers were assessed on their Tactical Casualty Care skills. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual competition overseen by the Department of the Army as a means of identifying and recognizing Soldiers in active, special operations, National Guard and Reserve components of the United States Army.
Dec. 21, 2020 - Led by 1st Sgt. Christopher Lehman, 483rd Terminal Transportation Battalion first sergeant, Soldiers from the 483rd TTB traveled to Mare Island to participate in a Best Warrior Competition on Nov. 16-21, 2020...
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2020 ARBWC WINNERS

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Latham

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Latham
NCO of the Year
Representing the 108th Training Command

Spc. Stanley Thompson

Spc. Stanley Thompson
Soldier of the Year
Representing the 108th Training Command

  • Previous ARBWC Winners

    2019
    Sgt. Joshua Smith
    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

    Spc. Collin George
    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    2018
    Sgt. Chase Craig
    U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year

    Spc. John Mundey
    U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year

    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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