Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Barbara Pendl | U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Coombs, 2nd Battalion, 124th Regiment, (Regional Training...... read more read more
Determination, resilience, and readiness were on full display as Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers faced off during Best Warrior Competition 2026, or BWC-26, tryouts hosted at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont, April 11-12, 2026.
The annual competition tested the physical fitness, military knowledge, and warfighting skills of VTARNG lower enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers. Competitors tackled events including the Army Fitness Test, weapons proficiency challenges, a land navigation course, and 10-kilometer ruck march. They also completed a written exam and appeared before a military board.
U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Anthony Fletcher, operations sergeant major, Joint Force Headquarters, Vermont National Guard, described the opportunity as, “A chance for Soldiers to showcase their abilities and combat skills.”
Vermont Guard Soldiers from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), 124th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, and 86th Troop Command entered the lineup, “It’s a slice of the best Soldiers we have available right now,” Fletcher said. For participants, BWC-26 tryouts are both a proving ground and opportunity to advance to next levels.
“If a Soldier wins, it shows they’ve mastered their craft,” Fletcher said. “The winners move on to the regional competition in Rhode Island in June.”
He adds that regional top performers qualify for nationals later this year, Fletcher emphasized that the key to success is mastery of basics, “These are skills they should already know.” His advice for success, “Stick to the fundamentals, do the simple things well, and demonstrate that warrior ethos.”
For U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Coombs of the 124th Regiment, RTI, preparation and pace were key during the ruck march.
“It was perfect weather,” Coombs said. “My sponsor and I planned to fast walk the uphills and run the downhills.” He says his mentor helped him stay the course, “I had company, which was nice.”
U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Denis of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 86th IBCT (MTN), described the ruck march as physically demanding despite the short distance, “It’s not easy with big hills and gravel out there.”
Denis echoes that endurance and pacing were critical. “With a ruck, it’s always about not gassing yourself in the beginning...you want to hold a steady pace and finish strong.” Beyond competition, Denis viewed the experience as a chance for growth and confidence building. “It’s a great opportunity to test yourself,” he said. “It proves to yourself that you know your stuff and you’ve got it.”
He advises future competitors to study, hammer down on PT and get squared away on basic Soldier skills, “To know your way around your M4 is super important.”
U.S. Army Spc. Alexander Ortiz of Detachment 2, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, said the topography surprised him, “I haven’t done a ruck march in a while…the terrain was not what I was expecting.” Ortiz adds. “I underestimated it a little bit.”
He compared ruck marching and land navigation in practical terms. “With land nav, you can navigate around terrain and take the path of least resistance,” whereas, “With ruck marching, you’re taking the straight route they give you, so it’s harder the entire way.”
Ortiz also reflected on the academic side of the competition. “The exam really tested my knowledge of military concepts and military history,” he said. “It showed me how much I’ve learned so far, but also how much more I need to learn as a junior Soldier.”
One of the biggest takeaways for Ortiz came during the military board portion of the event — his first board appearance. “The board was amazing,” he said. “It gave me insight into how I would react in certain situations and I really enjoyed it.”
Ortiz also emphasized the importance of professionalism and representing the military well both on and off duty. “Image for our military is important,” he said. “Information spreads fast, so you need to maintain a professional image and think about what you put out.”
Despite ongoing deployments affecting participation numbers, Fletcher said the standard of competition remains high. “We’re a little light on Soldiers right now,” he said. “But the winners of this competition proved they’ve mastered their skills and can compete at the next level.”
Vermont’s BWC-26 tryouts winners are Sgt. Thomas Coombs named, “Noncommissioned Officer of the Year,” and Spc. Ortiz, who achieved, “Soldier of the Year,” honors.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Eric Gagnon, land component commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Palmer, senior enlisted advisor, VTARNG, presided over award of Army Achievement Medals, commemorative gifts, and ample recognition to the winners.
Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Henry “Hank” Harder Jr., U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Myers, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Brown, VTARNG, interacted with troops and participated in the recognition ceremony.
Fletcher said the competition has been a valued tradition within the organization for quite some time, “Best Warrior goes as far back as I can remember." He adds, "I see it continuing well into the future.”
Congratulations to all competitors for demonstrating the strength, readiness, and warrior ethos which resides inside Vermont's Soldiers.
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2026 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 565529 |
| Location: | JERICHO, VERMONT, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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