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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) held its Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area from July 30 to Aug. 6, bringing top squads from across the theater together in head-to-head competition. Staff Sgt. Nathan Thompson, an infantryman assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center and squad leader for the team representing 7th Army Training Command, was named NCO of the Year for his performance during the competition.
This year’s competition focused on overall readiness and warfighting skills, with soldiers competing in grueling physical and mental challenges involving individual and team-based tasks.
“The competition was very difficult. Trying to balance redlining your muscles for five to six days while in the midst of a heat wave, fighting dehydration, loss of appetite and hot billets was very challenging,” Thompson said.
Thompson overcame numerous physical obstacles throughout the competition, demonstrating his leadership and ability to maneuver a squad through demanding scenarios.
“The physical punishment was an eye-opener for us; we expected it but not to the extent that it happened. We overcame this as well as every other problem in the same way by sticking together and pulling each other’s weight when needed,” Thompson said. “Everyone in your squad is going to have a bad day. It’s our job as leaders to make sure they don’t spiral.”
During the closing ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax, senior enlisted advisor for USAREUR-AF, said he had the opportunity to speak with the competitors and was inspired by their performance.
“The one indicator that we are winning as an institution and as an Army is the soldiers before me. You are all better versions of us when we were in your position,” Mullinax said.
Thompson exemplified the leadership and preparation Mullinax described. When asked how soldiers could prepare for a competition of this caliber, Thompson shared some of the practices that helped him succeed.
“Establish a fitness plan that builds over the course of six to nine months with two-a-days, schedule ranges for all platoon weapons systems, schedule land navigation events, reserve land for battle drills and tactical scenarios,” Thompson said.
Thompson was also recognized with the Top Shot Award after earning the highest score among competitors during the competition’s evaluated weapons events. Each squad faced numerous challenges throughout the competition, testing communication, effectiveness, tactical proficiency and overall fortitude. Thompson said the experience helps prepare soldiers for the demands of combat.
“I personally believe this was the best training I’ve been a part of. The number of challenges, constantly evolving problems and time constraints while also making sure four other soldiers are on the same page as you was exceptional training that can only be achieved by pushing soldiers to their limits,” Thompson said.
Although 7th Engineer Brigade won the USAREUR-AF Best Squad Competition, Thompson’s individual performance representing 7th Army Training Command earned him NCO of the Year and Top Shot honors.
For more information on this event and others like it, visit the official American Forces Network (AFN) Bavaria Facebook page at facebook.com/afnbavaria, or explore the AFN Bavaria Digital Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS) page.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2026 06:39 |
| Story ID: | 574377 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, BAYERN, DE |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, AFN Bavaria - Mission Forward News Article: Thompson Named NCO of the Year, by SSG Herbert Roberson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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