Best Warriors named
Story by Staff Sgt. Tyler Wall, 116th Public Affairs Detachment.
Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller, Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll, Staff Sgt. Tyler Wall, and Spc. Don Bond, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Twenty North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers from across the state pushed themselves through a grueling four-day gauntlet of events, testing their physical and mental limits. The challenges took place at the Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) Aug. 17-20 and welcomed the best of the best during the annual competition.
The competition encompassed a diverse range of challenges, including a physical fitness test – fashioned from 1947 standards - featuring pull-ups, squat jumps, sit-ups, push-ups, and a 300-yard run. This was just the beginning, as competitors then faced knowledge boards; uniform inspections; mock public affairs interviews; day and night land navigation; M4/M17 range exercises; stakes lanes; which included: medical, improvised explosive device, hand grenade throwing, and gas chamber; a 6-mile ruck march with a weighted backpack; a physically demanding confidence course; and a rappel tower.
Preparation for the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) included months of physical training and studying various military manuals and study guides. Many competitors found it helpful to be mentored by past BWC winners and participants.
The winners will advance to the Region VI competition, which will be hosted by Washington next spring in 2024. They will compete against representatives from seven other states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Regional winners compete in All-Guard Competition with an opportunity to compete in the All-Army Competition later in that year.
This is the second time the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) participate in the Best Warrior Competition 17-20 August 2023 at CGTC.
“This is a great way to expose both the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) and the GAF to each other through a competitive event,” says Lt. Col. Mark McEvers. “The GAF have displayed a desire to advance their version of a NCO Corps (they have Warrant Officers instead of senior NCOs), and the NDNG is glad to support opportunities for them to display their professionalism while also enjoying some friendly competition.”
Ghanaian Army Competitors
Cpl. Nkansah Fran
Pvt. Ahedor Matilda
Lance Cpl. Boahene Richard Carlos
Competitors
Sgt. Ashley Revering, Camp Grafton Training Center
Sgt. Nickolas Steinbrecher, Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Sgt. Austin Hanten, 191st Military Police Company
Spc. Caleb Claxton, 3662nd Maintenance Company
Pfc. Zachary Rogers, 191st Military Police Company
Sgt. Richard Tangen, 957th Engineer Company
Sgt. William Thompson, 818th Engineer Company
Spc. Dillion Fischer, 818th Engineer Company
Spc. Caden Evanson, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Air Assault Battalion
Spc. Jared Deckert, HHC 164th Engineer Battalion
Pfc. Jonathan Nistler, Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Spc. Thomas Kollie, Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Spc. Jonathan Lange, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Brigade
Sgt. Avery Johnson, 188th Army Band
Spc. Samuel Konah, 116th Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. Max Dahl, Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Sgt. Devon Flanders, Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Spc. Joseph Eberle, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Spc. John Goettle, FSC (Forward Support Company) 142nd Engineer Battalion
Sgt. Brady Gibson, HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company) 142nd Engineer Battalion
When the winners were announced during the final day’s awards ceremony, two Soldiers earned the opportunity to represent North Dakota in the upcoming regional competition next spring.
Sgt. Avery Johnson, 188th Army Band, was the winner in the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) category while Spc. Caleb Claxton, 3662nd Maintenance Company won in the Soldier category.
“This competition is great and the thing I’m going to take away most is meeting awesome people and being able to challenge myself, learning where my weaknesses are, and practicing on becoming a more well-rounded Soldier,” Claxton said. “It’s great being able to represent my unit during the competition and it’s a fun experience. I recommend everyone try it out at least once during their career.”
State runners-up may compete in regional competition if winners are unavailable. The runners-up in the NCO and Soldier categories respectfully are Sgt. Max Dahl, D Detachment, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, and Spc. Jonathan Lange, Company D, 1st Battalion 112th Aviation.
"The Best Warrior Competition is not only a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our Soldiers, but also a reflection of their commitment to upholding the highest standards of the military profession," said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, state command sergeant major and host of the event. "These warriors have shown us what it truly means to embody the values of discipline, resilience and camaraderie."
Pictured above, Ghanaian Sergeant Major of the Army Warrant Officer 1 Richard Dormah.
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