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Washington National Guard's Best Warrior Competition

Photo By Jason Kriess | Spc. Alexander Mercier, of the 1-161st Infantry, throws a dummy grenade last day of...... read more read more

CAMP MURRAY, WA, UNITED STATES

03.10.2015

Courtesy Story

122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Story by Spc. Danielle Gregory, Washington Army National Guard, 122nd Public Affairs Operations Center

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - One by one, soldiers jumped into the deep end of a pool and attempted to swim from one end to the other in full uniform.

Normally a simple task, they struggled to stay afloat holding a 7-pound rifle above their head without swallowing chlorinated water.

After completing a physical fitness test the day before, an obstacle course that morning, and a rope climb minutes before, these soldiers were swimming with everything they had left.

However, there was no time to rest for the 16 soldiers competing in the Washington Army National Guard’s 2015 Best Warrior Competition — they were only halfway through day two.

The four-day event kicked off on Camp Murray March 5 and kept the competitors busy virtually every hour of each day.

“You have to be mentally and physically tough, and then know all your warrior tasks and battle drills too,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Hagemeier, NCO in charge of the competition.

Each of the WAARNG’s four major commands were involved in planning, coordinating and judging the 36 graded events, ensuring the soldiers were tested in every way possible.

“We’re looking for an all-around soldier that can get to the regional competition and do well,” Hagemeier said.

The first day consisted of a PT test, an Army Service Uniform inspection and oral board, and a written test and essay.

“A lot of points were lost on the oral board, which was really tough,” Hagemeier said. “That section alone was worth 72 points.”

Although the board was a mental struggle for many, day two would test competitors’ endurance and bravery.

The obstacle course, another written test, a rope climb and pool events were next on day two.

Only six of the 16 competitors made it to the top of the rope before they headed for the pool.

Blindfolded and armed with a dummy rifle, soldiers stepped off the end of a 10-foot-high platform plummeting towards the water. They were assessed on form and the absence of fear in completing the challenge.

“Even with just swim trunks, I have trouble swimming,” said Spc. Sochea Touch, 741st Ordnance Disposal Battalion. “So throwing on my uniform, boots and a dummy rifle, makes it 100 times harder.”

The day concluded with a short road march to the nighttime land-navigation course where soldiers were given a compass, a map and a time hack to locate three coordinates. At midnight, soldiers finally bedded down in field conditions with temperatures in the low 30s.

Soldiers woke up early Saturday for day three of the competition — facing the new day and challenges on only a few hours of sleep. It was foggy, but that didn’t stop the competitors from completing another short road-march before zeroing their weapons at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), while hoping the fog would clear in time for qualifying.

In short order the sun arrived — burning off the soupy fog — and the weapons qualification was in the books. Then Soldiers headed to their machine-gun qualification and daytime land navigation outside JBLM’s east gate.

They trekked off afterwards on a timed 5.8-mile ruck march in full “battle rattle” to a mock training area known as Leshi town.

“I was thinking about it in my mind as if it were a real-life scenario, as if I was trying to make it back home so I could talk to my family again,” said Pvt. Joseph Bell, HHC, 2-146th Field Artillery Regiment. “I think that’s actually what motivated me and pushed me to keep going.”

Although exhausted, the competitors always stayed motivated, and many rucked together to make it through.

“You know, behind the scenes it’s as if we’re all on the same team,” said Sgt. Matthew Croft, B Troop, 1-303rd Cavalry Regiment.

Each Soldier also had a sponsor, who served as a mentor, helping the competitors with everything from training and studying to motivation through the events. Many even shadowed their soldier in each leg of the competition — from ruck marches to sleeping in the field beside them.

“She was already pretty physically fit and knowledgeable, so I just wanted to encourage her to keep going and stay motivated,” said Sgt. Amy Wapnowski, Spc. Ayla Scott’s sponsor.

After the timed ruck march Saturday, the hardest parts of the competition were over — physically anyway.

The home stretch would test basic soldier skills and their ability to respond to various urban warfare simulations, including: Nuclear, biological and chemical attack, reacting to direct fire, searching a vehicle for explosives and clearing a building tactically.

“My body was exhausted — arms tired, stomach felt like I’ve been doing situps for days, my legs felt like jello and I had blisters on my feet, so I was just trying to keep it together and keep moving,” Touch said.

Outside of a few minor blisters, bruises and rope burn, no one was badly injured and every competitor saw the competition to the end.

“I think everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and it was really neat to see how the competitors worked together,” Wapnowski said. “On the side, they would collaborate and encourage one another to finish.”

Sunday, after being tested for three days in every way, it was time to see which NCO and enlisted competitor came out on top during the awards ceremony.

Competitors smiled and reminisced as they watched a projected video of the competition and waited for the ceremony to start. Although a competition, it was clear these warriors had created a strong bond.

“Coming into the competition I didn’t know a lot of these guys, but throughout we encouraged one another,” Touch said. “We’re now joking around with one another and just having a great time.”

The results were tallied. Representing the enlisted side, Spc. Joshua Beal, HHC, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion, was named the 2015 Soldier of the Year. Representing the NCOs, Sgt. Matthew Croft, B Troop, 1-303rd Cavalry Regiment, was named the NCO of the Year.

Winners received donated gifts from sponsors and each major command, including gift cards, a boot knife and a National Guard jacket.

The runner up for each was recognized as well. Pfc. Thadeus Tucker, 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team and Sgt. James Hanrahan, 144th Digital Liaison Detachment. These competitors have the responsibility to fill in for the winners if they are unable to represent at the regional competition for any reason.

Those who scored highest on each graded event also received special recognition during the ceremony.

“I’m elated,” Croft said after the ceremony. “The biggest surprise for me was winning because there were so many qualified people, and everyone worked so hard.”

In his 40s, this was Croft’s first time competing. A successful business owner, Croft joined the Guard a few years ago not for the money, but for the experience of serving and fulfilling a lifelong ambition.

He said he encourages others to make the most out of their time in the military as well and join next year’s competition.

“Absolutely try it; it was an invaluable experience regardless of whether you win or not,” Croft said.

Beal agreed, and gave some advice for future competitors.

“The Best Warrior Competition is not a sprint,” Beal said. “In order to do well, you have to finish near the top with everything — pace yourself so you can finish.”

Beal, who was competing for the second time — is a testament to the fact that hard work and dedication do payoff.

“I knew I was right on the cusp, and there were a couple things I needed to better prepare for,” Beal said. “I felt a lot more prepped (this year) because I knew what to expect, and I knew what my weaknesses were.”

Those who didn’t win this year took note of Beal’s experience and were already making plans for next year’s competition.

“I plan on participating next year, maybe even for a few years — maybe I’ll win one of these,” Bell said. “You got to really experience it for yourself. I could sit here and talk about it all day, but it’s just one of those things words can’t explain.”

Win or lose, each competitor had an exciting four days, made lasting friendships and shook each other’s hands at the end of the ceremony.

“Everyone walked out of here with friendships forged and strong bonds,” Croft said. “We had a great time together; it was a really fun weekend.”

Best Warriors Beal and Croft will go on to represent Washington state in the regional competition in Wyoming in May with the hope of making it to the national, Army-wide competition.

With only 60 days until regionals, the winners said they have a lot of preparation to do.

“That’s really soon for the amount of physical work I feel like I need to put in to be competitive,” Croft said. “It’s going to be constant preparation — both physically and mentally — and implementing (a study plan) and executing it every day.”

Nonetheless, they said they enjoyed the experience, and they were looking forward to a new challenge.

“I was really happy and gratified that I got the opportunity to do it,” Beal said. “Not many people get the chance to even come and represent their unit, and I actually won. It was a bit overwhelming, but it was awesome.”

Soldiers interested in competing in next year’s competition should go through their chain of command. Each company can send one NCO and one enlisted Soldier to compete.