FLORENCE, Ariz. -- Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Main, Sgt. Jose Escamilla, Sgt. Eloy Marquez, Spc. Bryan McComb and Spc. Kristian Colon, assigned to the 98th Aviation Troop Command, Arizona Army National Guard, were awarded Excellence in Competition (EIC) badges on April 11 at the Florence Training Site, Florence, Ariz., for their performance during the 2026 Adjutant General Match in March.
The Adjutant General Match is an annual event that evaluates individual and team marksmanship across various weapons systems, aimed at improving combat proficiency and maintaining a lethal force. EIC competitions such as this are essential to the Arizona National Guard’s dual mission: delivering ready forces for state emergencies and a force multiplier reserve for the U.S. military.
The EIC program is a prestigious Army initiative that recognizes and awards excellence in marksmanship. During EIC events, soldiers compete in various marksmanship exercises that assess their performance under different shooting positions and conditions. Each exercise or phase of competition carries a set of points based on accuracy, speed, and consistency.
Competitors who place in the top 10% of non-distinguished competitors during EIC matches earn credit points toward the distinguished Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship Badges.
“The Excellence in Competition program is not just a badge, it’s a mindset,” said Col. Jack Denton, Commander of the 98th Aviation Troop Command. “It challenges our National Guard soldiers to be the best marksman they can be. It builds leaders, strengthens teams, and drives a culture of constant improvement. In today’s complex operational environment, these qualities are what make our force truly ready for any mission.”
Participation in EIC competitions pushes participants to master their weapons systems and refine their shooting techniques. It enhances training practices, boosts operational readiness, and instills a sense of pride and discipline in every participant. This competitive environment fosters a culture of excellence, ensuring the Arizona National Guard maintains a high standard of lethality and combat readiness.
The EIC program directly supports readiness for large-scale combat operations (LSCO) by immersing participants in realistic, high-pressure marksmanship scenarios that mirror the demands of modern battlefields. Through rigorous competition, participants are required to demonstrate precision, speed, and adaptability, all skills that are essential in LSCO environments.
Through the EIC program, the Arizona National Guard continually sharpens its marksmanship and leadership, ensuring soldiers are prepared for any challenge. This commitment to excellence means the Arizona National Guard remains committed to being always ready and always there when called upon for state emergencies and federal missions.