CAMP BUTNER , N.C. - Soldiers throughout the Army are expected to maintain a high level of skill and knowledge, but the proficiency of the finest few within the 518th Sustainment Brigade, 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will be put to the test Jan. 9 through 12 during the brigade’s third annual Best Warrior Competition here.
The competition assesses the soldiers’ comprehensive knowledge and physical fitness by pitting them against each other in the Army Physical Fitness Test, day and night land navigation, marksmanship, an obstacle course, a 10 km march with a ruck sack, Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, as well a verbal board and written exam.
“We hope other soldiers will see these competitors exhausted and bruised, but still completing the mission as positive examples,” said Fayetteville, N.C., native Sgt. Maj. Philip R. Vance, the noncommissioned officer in charge of operations for the 518th. “The goal is to encourage more soldiers to strive to train and compete in this competition next year.”
Competitors arrived at the 518th’s headquarters building in Knightdale, N.C., today and were eager to tackle the upcoming events.
“I am looking forward to competing this weekend,” said Pfc. Nathan B. Jackson, a petroleum supply specialist and Charleston, S.C., native assigned to the 941st Transportation Company, 518th Sustainment Brigade. “I hope to learn how to perform well under pressure in preparation for becoming a NCO [noncommissioned officer].”
The winner of the competition will compete in the 143rd ESC Best Warrior Competition later this year.