Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mary Junell | RALEIGH, N.C. – Taking the 2019 Region III crown for the noncommissioned officers is...... read more read more
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BUTNER, N.C. – Soldiers from across the Southeastern region of the U.S. gather in North Carolina to compete in the National Guard Region III Best Warrior Competition at the Camp Butner Training Site from May 13-18, 2019.
North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands send their best enlisted and noncommissioned officers to represent their state in a demanding five-day competition for a chance to compete at the national competition later this year.
“We did the ‘Soldier of the year’ for the state,” said Spc Marina Grage, representing Mississippi National Guard. “I have been on orders training, prepping, going to the ranges, doing the new PT [physical training] test, land nav. [navigation], everything.”
Excitement builds as competitors don their best-warrior patches officially making them the 2019 region III competitors. Sponsors and competitors jump right into marksmanship qualification with the Beretta M9 and the M4 carbine rifle followed by the new modified Army Combat Fitness Test.
Day two is the most grueling day of the competition, testing soldiers’ mental and physical fortitude. The day starts with an Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by a demanding 16-station obstacle course, daytime land navigation, a mystery event and nighttime land navigation.
“The camaraderie, enthusiasm and moral have been great,” said North Carolina State Command Sgt. Maj. Russell Prince. “No matter what state you’re from, or what your MOS [military occupational specialty] you are; there are certain things all soldiers are required to do. They bond over those events especially during the hardships of the conditions. Everybody comes together to not only to share the disappointments but also to share in the jubilation; no matter who it is. Everybody is excited for them.”
The following days are filled with numerous events that test the competitor’s in-depth knowledge of military technical and tactical procedures, warrior ethos and military knowledge.
“Anytime you host an event such as this in your own state there is an increased awareness that goes on,” said Prince. “You have a lot more visibility amongst the soldiers across the state as well as leadership. I think it is also a plus for us from the standpoint of media coverage, not just within our own organization, but also with the local media. All of these events are going to be something they (Soldiers) are required to do in combat situations and I think this gives the public a more increased knowledge of what we actually do.”
Taking the 2019 Region III crown for the noncommissioned officers is Staff Sgt. Nathan Bogert, representing the Alabama National Guard and Spc. Andrew Brotherton, representing the North Carolina National Guard, won in the enlisted category.
“This is awesome,” said Bogert. “I spent a lot of time here in North Carolina so I feel like this is my second home, but I feel honored to represent Alabama in this competition.”
The 2002 inception of the Best Warrior Competition collectively involves the Army Reserve, Regular Army and the National Guard as a way to test competitors’ knowledge and abilities by overcoming, physical fitness challenges, board interviews, critical thinking, written exams and warrior tasks and battle drills. The elite victor that emerges from Region III’s competition earns a ticket to the National Guard Bureau Best Warrior Competition.
“This means a lot,” said Brotherton. “North Carolina is a great state. I have picked the brains of some guys that have gone to Nationals. I have heard some stories about how different it is and how much it changes, but I plan on getting out there and competing.”
| Date Taken: | 05.18.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2019 20:26 |
| Story ID: | 322949 |
| Location: | NC, US |
| Web Views: | 269 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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