Photo By Pfc. Anthony Heatley | U.S. Army Sgt. Devon Williams, a soldier with the 61st Multifunctional Medical...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Medical Brigade, III Armored Corps demonstrated outstanding military readiness as they competed in the Best Medic Squad Competition at Fort Hood from May 11 to May 14, 2026.
The Best Medic Squad Competition is a multi-day event designed to test Soldiers on technical proficiency, tactical effectiveness, and squad cohesion. Teams were pushed through a series of physically and mentally demanding events including combat-related scenarios, weapons proficiency tests, medical evaluations, land navigation, and board interviews.
Three companies from across the brigade sent five of their top Soldiers to represent their units during the competition.
Representing the red squad from the 528th Hospital Center were Sgt. Devon Williams, Sgt. Jacob Musick, Spc. Kailyn Madli, Spc. Malachi McGuay, and Pfc. Xyon Lopez.
Representing the white squad from the 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion were Staff Sgt. Mario Barron, Sgt. James Blackburn, Pfc. Seth Mallery, Pfc. Cameron Holbrooks, and Pfc. Avian Madden.
Representing the blue squad from the 9th Hospital Center were Staff Sgt. Jose Dominguez, Sgt. Juan Valdez, Spc. Stacy Nelson, Spc. Sydney DeLaHuerta, and Pfc. Amani Walker.
The competition began with in-processing on Day 0 before Soldiers immediately transitioned into a demanding operational schedule. Day 1 tested physical endurance and navigation skills through a Physical Fitness Assessment, day and night land navigation, and patrol lanes. Day 2 focused on obstacle course events and weapons proficiency with the M17 pistol range and M4 stress shoot. Day 3 evaluated medical readiness and leadership through the Combat Water Survival Test, a formal Soldier board, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care lanes. The competition concluded on Day 4 with a 12-mile ruck march.
For many competitors, the event represented more than just a test of skill, but it also reinforced the importance of teamwork and combat readiness within U.S. Army medicine.
“Communication is key,” said Staff Sgt. Barron. “Not just in this competition, but just in our daily lives as Army medics.”
Throughout the competition, Soldiers were evaluated on their ability to perform effectively while fatigued, maintain discipline under stress, and apply both medical and tactical knowledge in realistic scenarios. Leaders observed not only individual performance, but also how squads communicated and operated as cohesive teams.
“A lot of this has to do with strategy,” said Spc. Stacy Nelson. “So how are we going to move together? How do we communicate with each other without actually talking? So there's a lot of hand signals and gestures involved.”
The Best Medic Squad Competition highlights the Army’s emphasis on readiness and lethality across the medical force. By combining physical fitness, tactical tasks, and medical proficiency into a single event, the competition ensures Soldiers remain prepared to support combat operations in any environment.
“Medics definitely need to be in top physical shape because we rely on them completely,” said Nelson. “If they can't perform their duties, like carrying someone between 140 and 260 pounds, there's a little hope on the battlefield.”
“Physical readiness is extremely important,” said Barron. “Because a lot of times It's not just a mental aspect, it's also physical. In our line of work, you have to move bodies, you have to navigate certain terrain. You don't want to become a liability after you've already received a casualty and you’re already down some hands and obviously firepower.”
At the conclusion of the competition, the blue squad, representing the 9th Medical Center earned the opportunity to advance and represent the brigade at the upcoming III Corps Best Squad Competition, where they will compete against top teams from across the corps for the chance to then compete at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2026 11:28 |
| Story ID: | 565573 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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