ARBWC graphicThe best from America's Army Reserve will compete for the title of Best Warrior at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 6-13, 2020. This is the sixth year the competition will be held at Fort Bragg, N.C. and the 13th 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. 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.

 

 

 

U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior NCO and Soldier of the Year 
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/
USAR Best Warrior Competition Day 4
Wondering what the mystery events were for Day 4 of the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition? Competitors participated in night fire, medical lanes and other warrior tasks and skills. Keep up with the latest from the competition on the USAR (@USArmyReserve) and Best Warrior Competition (@ArmyReserveBestWarrior) Facebook pages, on Twitter (@USArmyReserve), Instagram (@USArmyReserve) and the official USAR website (https://www.usar.army.mil/).
USAR Best Warrior competitors take on ACFT
Soldiers competing in the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition went through the new Army Combat Fitness Test, as well as events for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. Keep up with the latest from the competition on the USAR (@USArmyReserve) and Best Warrior Competition (@ArmyReserveBestWarrior) Facebook pages, on Twitter (@USArmyReserve), Instagram (@USArmyReserve) and the official USAR website (https://www.usar.army.mil/).
USAR Best Warrior Competition — A Feast for Warriors
Command sergeants major serve a meal in a show of appreciation for the hard work of the competitors in the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition. Keep up with the latest from the competition on the USAR (@USArmyReserve) and Best Warrior Competition (@ArmyReserveBestWarrior) Facebook pages, on Twitter (@USArmyReserve), Instagram (@USArmyReserve) and the official USAR website (https://www.usar.army.mil/).
2019 Best Warrior Competition Day 3
The 2019 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition is in full swing! The weeklong competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, sent competitors to the range Tuesday. Keep up with the latest from the competition on the USAR (@USArmyReserve) and Best Warrior Competition (@ArmyReserveBestWarrior) Facebook pages, on Twitter (@USArmyReserve), Instagram (@USArmyReserve) and the official USAR website (https://www.usar.army.mil/).
2019 Best Warrior Competition Days 1 & 2
The 2019 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition is in full swing! The weeklong competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is challenging competitors with Army Combat Fitness Test, a 12-mile foot march, pistol qualification, and several other events. Keep up with the latest from the competition on the USAR (@USArmyReserve) and Best Warrior Competition (@ArmyReserveBestWarrior) Facebook pages, on Twitter (@USArmyReserve), Instagram (@USArmyReserve) and the official USAR website (https://www.usar.army.mil/).
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
FAQs: COVID-19 impact to the U.S. Army Reserve
April 3, 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.
Remote Training During COVID-19
Michelle Adams uses a SCATT trainer to practice - at home while wearing pajamas. Simulations devices allow remote Postal Match opportunities and training options when conditions prevent congregating.
March 31, 2020 - For times when circumstances and expense prevent Soldiers from congregating for training, remote training simulators allow inexpensive, yet effective, skill development.
Army Reserve Soldiers compete in chemical brigade’s Best Warrior Competition
Command Sergeant Major Charles Scheels (left), command sergeant major, 415th Chemical Brigade, 76th Operational Response Command stands next to Sgt. Alexander Garvey, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist assigned to the 327th Chemical Company, after presenting Garvey with an Army Commendation Medal following the Brigade's Best Warrior Competition Jan. 8, 2020, at McCrady Training Center, South Carolina. Garvey, the brigade's Best Warrior noncommissioned officer will move on to compete at the 76th Operational Response Command Best Warrior Competition in April. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Boyer/RELEASED)
Jan. 15, 2020 - A pair of Army Reserve Soldiers distinguished themselves as the 415th Chemical Brigade’s top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier during the brigade’s Best Warrior Competition held here Jan. 4-8.
Sgt. Non and Spc. Smith are top in 5th MB BWC
Command Sgt. Major Elijah Moore (center) of the 5th. Medical Brigade out of Birmingham, Alabama poses with the 5th. Med. 2020 Best Warrior Competition winners Spc. Andrew Smith (left) and Sgt. Gabriella Non (right) on Ft. McClellan, Alabama Nov. 17, 2019. Spc. Smith was the Soldier BWC winner and Sgt. Non was the NCO BWC winner. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. First Class Anthony Mitchell)
Nov. 20, 2019 - The 5th Med. Bde. Conducted their Best Warrior Competition to determine who will represent them at the 3rd Medical Command Deployment Support BWC in early 2020. The contest was held at Ft. McClellan, where soldiers were tested in physical fitness, Army knowledge, a ruck march and land navigation among others. Six soldiers competed for two titles, Non-Commissioned Officer and Junior Enlisted Best Warriors.
645th Regional Support Command Soldiers compete in Best Warrior Competition
U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Oliver Mepham, from the 431st Quartermaster Company, right, receives a specialized dog tag from Sgt. Maj. Richard Hagar, with the 645th Regional Support Group, at the halfway point of the ruck march event at the 645th RSG's Best Warrior Competition at Fort Custer, Michigan, Nov. 6, 2019. These dog tags were used by the cadre to confirm all the competitors had made it through the entire course (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Adam Parent)
Nov. 12, 2019 - U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 645th Regional Support Group came together to participate in a Best Warrior Competition.
Retention Event Creates 100% Qualification Rate
Retention and training event hosted at Camp Atterbury by the U.S. Army Reserve Marksmanship Program consisted of a mix of precision and timed action shooting events shot on paper, pop-up, and steel targets from 25 to 400 meters with an ACFT component. The event also included a formal qualification with a 100% go rate among all participants.
Sept. 5, 2019 - Quality Army Reserve events maximize Soldier retention while providing enhanced training.
Top U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers prepare for final competitions
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Yarrington, Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year, navigates across a rope as part of an obstacle at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 14, 2019. The training was in preparation for the 2019 Army Best Warrior and Drill Sergeant of the Year competitions which pit the best of the Army, Army Reserve and National Guard against each other. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Kevin Long)
Aug. 19, 2019 - The U.S. Army Reserve's Best Warriors and Drill Sergeants of the Year carried out 27 days of intensive training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Aug. 4-24, 2019. The training was in preparation for the 2019 Army Best Warrior and Drill Sergeant of the Year competitions which pit the best of the Army, Army Reserve and National Guard against each other.
Army Reserve Marksmanship at the Best Warrior Competition
Sgt. Brennan Cardwell (383rd MI BN, MIRC) repairs bullet holes on his Combat Excellence in Competition, (EIC) target during the Pistol EIC event. The top 10% of competitors and cadre that fire this event will earn their Bronze EIC Badge and point towards their Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge.
July 4, 2019 - Soldiers of the Army Reserve Marksmanship created new events and conducted the small arms events at the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition.
Former wildland firefighter relishes challenge of Best Warrior Competition
U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Christopher McNally, representing the 364th Engineer Company, 416th Theater Engineer Command, competes in the Helocast Event at the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C June 27, 2019. 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, Va. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Pfc. Keely Key) (Released)
July 1, 2019 - For Spc. Christopher McNally, a combat engineer with the 364th Engineer Company, the heat and stress brought on by the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition are nothing new. McNally is a former wildland firefighter, a job that involves battling wildfires, which can be miles away from any water sources.
Smith and George named America’s Army Reserve NCO and Soldier of the Year
Sgt. Joshua Smith was named the U.S. Army Reserve Noncommissioned Officer of the Year after competing in the 2019 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition, June 23-28 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Smith, a Cavalry Scout is a drill sergeant candidate with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment, 95th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), 108th Training Command. His civilian occupation is train conductor at Canadian Pacific Railway. A native of northern Wisconsin, his parents live in Ashland, Wis.
June 28, 2019 - Sgt. Joshua Smith and Spc. Collin George were named winners of the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year, respectively, in a ceremony at the Iron Mike Conference, Friday, June 28.
Competitor welcomes challenge, sense of accomplishment of Best Warrior Competition
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Weigel, a health care specialist and plans noncommissioned officer representing the 388th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 139th Medical Battalion, 807th Medical Command, fires an M9 pistol during the Excellence in Competition (EIC) event at the 2019 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 25, 2019. 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, Va. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Christopher A. Hernandez) (Released)
June 27, 2019 - As sunrise cuts through the thick, humid morning air, Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Weigel ascends a log ladder at the Air Assault Obstacle Course during the 2019 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition (ARBWC).
2019 Army Reserve Small Arms Championships
The 2019 USAR Small Arms Championships are designed to train the most lethal, capable, and combat ready Army Reserve Soldiers. Get on the Road to Awesome by attending this event as an individual or team. All Army Reserve Soldiers are invited.
May 18, 2019 - The 2019 Army Reserve Small Arms Championships will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind. August 24-28. All Army Reserve Soldiers are invited to attend.
More
2019 Best Warrior Winners

Sgt. Joshua Smith
NCO of the Year
Representing the 108th Training Command

Spc. Collin George
Soldier of the Year
Representing the 200th Military Police Command

  • Previous ARBWC Winners

    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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