Best Warrior Competition

The competition is an annual Army-sponsored event designed to measure a soldier’s physical fitness, mental acuity, and demonstrated skill in warrior tasks and battle drills.

To get the gist of the competition, imagine the “American Ninja Warrior” television show and then de-glamorize it — with an obstacle course that looks as though it will leave your hands splintered, a 12-mile rucksack march, fireman’s carry run on the beach, sled drag, written exam, board interview, marksmanship and the standardized Army Combat Fitness Test.

2024

Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, April 5-7, 2024

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Bradley Padama-Kinere, a combat medic specialist assigned to Headquarters Headquarters Battalion, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. SGT Nakamura (newly promoted) won the region 7 competition (California) and placed 2nd in the Army National Guard nationwide competition.

U.S. Army Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) applies camouflage during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) applies camouflage to an advanced combat helmet during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, left, assistant adjutant general for the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), awards Staff Sgt. Bradley Padama-Kinere, a combat medic specialist assigned to Headquarters Headquarters Battalion, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, for winning Soldier of the Year during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bradley Padama-Kinere, left, a combat medic specialist assigned to Headquarters Headquarters Battalion, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) and Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, pose for a photo during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, left, assistant adjutant general for the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), awards Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, for winning Soldier of the Year during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Spc. Sean Walker, left, a mass communications specialist assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 103rd Troop Command, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), and Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, carry a simulated casualty in the team event during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bradley Padama-Kinere, left, a combat medic specialist assigned to Headquarters Headquarters Battalion, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), poses for a photo during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, left, assistant adjutant general for the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), alongside Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Jimenez, right, command sergeant major of the HIARNG, award Staff Sgt. Bradley Padama-Kinere, a combat medic specialist assigned to Headquarters Headquarters Battalion, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, for winning NCO of the Year during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, left, assistant adjutant general for the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), alongside Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Jimenez, right, command sergeant major of the HIARNG, award Spc. Andruw Nakamura, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, for winning Soldier of the Year during the HIARNG 2024 Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 5-7, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event conducted by the HIARNG to identify the most skilled and proficient Soldiers across various military occupational specialties (MOS). (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)

2023

Waimanalo, May 7-11, 2023

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Sgt. Cooper Hulse, a cavalry scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 1-299th Cavalry Regiment. He also won Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in the Warrior Competition for Region VII.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Quinn Mears, a combat engineer assigned to Alpha Company, 227th Brigade Engineering Battalion. He also won Commissioned Officer of the Year in the Warrior Competition for Region VII.

Hawaii Army National Guard Sgt. Cooper Hulse, a cavalry scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 1-299th Cavalry Regiment, simulates calling for fire using the Laser Shot Fires training simulator during the Army National Guard Region VII Best Warrior Competition, at the Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii, May 7-11, 2023. National Guard service members from Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah competed against each other in Army Warrior Tasks to be named Regional Best Warrior. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Sean Walker)
Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Quinn Mears, left, a combat engineer assigned to Alpha Company, 227th Brigade Engineering Battalion, runs to try and overtake Guam Army National Guard Soldier Spc. Rency Une, a mortarman, assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment during the mystery event of the Region VII annual Best Warrior Competition, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 7-11, 2023. National Guard service members later ate the pineapple they brought back from the ruck march portion of the event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Sean Walker)
Hawaii Army National Guard Sgt. Cooper Hulse, a cavalry scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 1-299th Cavalry Regiment runs with a heavy ruck weighing over 45 lbs. during the Mystery event of the Region VII annual Best Warrior Competition, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 7-11, 2023. For the Mystery event National Guard service members ruck marched for approximately six miles and carried back with them the pineapple mystery item. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Sean Walker)
Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Quinn Mears, left, a combat engineer assigned to Alpha Company, 227th Brigade Engineering Battalion and Hawaii Army National Guard Sgt. Cooper Hulse, a cavalry scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 1-299th Cavalry Regiment, poses for a photo with the Hawaiian Flag after the Beach Party event of the Region VII Best Warrior Competition, Waimanalo, Hawaii, May 7-11 2023. National Guard service members from Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah competed against each other in Army Warrior Tasks to be named Regional Best Warrior. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Sean Walker)
Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers Sgt. Cooper Hulse, Cavalry Scout, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 1-299th Cavalry Regiment and Spc. Quinn Mears, combat engineer, assigned to Alpha Company, 227th Brigade Engineering Battalion, participates in the Beach Party event during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition, Waimanalo, Hawaii, May 7-11 2023. The grueling five day competition tested service members on numerous warrior tasks, and included several events designed to test each service member’s mental and physical endurance. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Mariah-Alexsandra K. Manandic-Kapu)

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2022

Schofield Barracks, March 6, 2022

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Sgt. Fred M. Lino Jr., a small arms and artillery repairer, assigned to Echo Troop, Forward Support Company, 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion. SGT Lino as well won the region 7 competition in Guam.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Kevin T. Brown, a mass communication specialist assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 103rd Troop Command.

Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Soldier, Spc. Kevin T. Brown, right, a mass communication specialist assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 103rd Troop Command, receives an Army Commendation Medal certificate from Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Jimenez, Command Sergeant Major of the HIARNG at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 6, 2022. Brown won the Best Soldier of the Year and will represent Hawaii at the regional level competition in Guam. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, second from right, commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Jimenez, left, HIARNG Command Sergeant Major, stands alongside the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) noncommissioned officer of the Year, Sgt. Fred M. Lino Jr., second from left, a small arms and artillery repairer, assigned to Echo Troop, Forward Support Company, 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion and BWC Soldier of the Year, Spc. Kevin T. Brown, right, a mass communication specialist assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 103rd Troop Command during the closing ceremony, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 6, 2022. Both BWC winners will compete in the regional level competition in Guam. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)

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2021

Kapolei, March 5-6, 2021

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Sgt. Eric R. Binger

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Michael J. Makinano.

Hawaii Army National Guard Sgt. Eric R. Binger participates in the 2021 Hawaii Best Warrior Competition (BWC) rope climb event at Area X, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 6, 2021. The BWC is an annual three day event that Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Hawaii Army National Guard and Hawaii Army Reserve compete in to earn the title of “Best Warrior”. The BWC tests the Soldiers’ individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, testing their technical and tactical skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) and Hawaii Army Reserve Soldiers exit the CH-47 Chinook at the conclusion of the land navigation event during the Best Warrior Competition (BWC), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 6, 2021. The BWC is a three-day annual competition where Soldiers are tested to earn the title of the “Best Warrior” through many challenges including firing weapons, land navigation, a physical fitness test and various mystery events. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Mariah-Alexsandra K. Manandic-Kapu)
Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Soldiers participate in the Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ) event during the Best Warrior Competition (BWC), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 7, 2021. The IWQ is part of the Best Warrior Competition where Soldiers from the HIARNG and the Hawaii Army Reserve compete to earn the title of “Best Warrior” through a series of tests, events and challenges. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Mariah-Alexsandra K. Manandic-Kapu)
Hawaii Army National Guard Sgt. Eric R. Binger participates in the weaver during the 2021 Hawaii Best Warrior Competition (BWC) obstacle course event at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 6, 2021. The BWC is an annual three day event that Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Hawaii Army National Guard and Hawaii Army Reserve compete in to earn the title of “Best Warrior”. The BWC tests the Soldiers’ individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, testing their technical and tactical skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Michael J. Makinano participates in the 2021 Hawaii Best Warrior Competition (BWC) 12 mile road march event at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, March 6, 2021. The BWC is an annual three day event that Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Hawaii Army National Guard and Hawaii Army Reserve compete in to earn the title of “Best Warrior”. The BWC tests the Soldiers’ individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, testing their technical and tactical skills under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)

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2020

Schofield Barracks, March 6-8, 2020

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Matthan T. Uelese of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion 487th Field Artillery.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Kaulana Saltiban, from the 230th Engineer Company.

Soldiers and NCOs of the Hawaii Army National Guard compete in the annual Best Warrior, Competition held at Schofield Barracks from March 6-8, 2020. SSG Matthan T. Uelese of 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery participates in the obstacle course event, completing the challenge in 11 minutes 40 seconds. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Matthew Foster)
Sgt. Haleigh A. Romero, Automated Logistics Specialist with Company B, 777 Aviation Support Battalion and Staff Sgt. Matthan T. Uelese, Alpha Battery 487 Field Artillery, check their targets on the range in preparation for M4 weapons qualifications. The Soldiers are competing in the annual Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from March 6-8, 2020. The Best Warrior will receive the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard at the Regional level.
Spc. Kaulana Saltiban, with the 230th Engineer Company, prepares to qualify his M4 weapon on the range. Spc. Saltiban is competing in the annual Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from March 6-8, 2020. The Best Warrior will receive the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard at the Regional level.
Spc. Kaulana Saltiban, with the 230th Engineer Company, tests his knowledge on warrior tasks during the 2020 Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from March 6-8, 2020. When asked for the hand and arm single for ‘I do not understand’, this was his response. The Best Warrior will receive the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard at the Regional level. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. John Schoebel)
Spc. Saltiban crossing over the top of the ‘weaver’ obstacle during his timed run through the obstacle course in the 2020 Best Warrior Competiton. Photo by Sgt. John Schoebel Spc. Kaulana Saltiban, with the 230th Engineer Company, crossing over the top of the ‘weaver’ obstacle during his timed run through the obstacle course in the 2020 Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from March 6-8, 2020. The Best Warrior will receive the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard at the Regional level. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. John Schoebel)
Spc. Kaulana Saltiban, with the 230th Engineer Company, maneuvering through an obstacle in his timed run through the obstacle course during the 2020 Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from March 6-8, 2020. The Best Warrior will receive the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard at the Regional level. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. John Schoebel)
Spc. Kaulana Saltiban, with the 230th Engineer Company, performs the Standing Power Throw during the physical fitness event in the HIARNG Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks from March 6-8, 2020. The Best Warrior will receive the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Army National Guard at the Regional level. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. John Schoebel)
Soldiers and NCOs of the Hawaii Army National Guard compete in the annual Best Warrior, Competition held at Schofield Barracks from March 6-8, 2020. SSG Matthan T. Uelese of 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery participates in the obstacle course event, completing the challenge in 11 minutes 40 seconds. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Matthew Foster)

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2019

Schofield Barracks, March 1-3, 2019

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Paulo Napoles, Hawaii Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Martin Tran, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Soldiers and NCOs of the Hawaii Army National Guard competed in a Best Warrior Competition held at Schofield Barracks Area X from March 1-3, 2019. Staff Sgt. Paulo I.O. Napoles delivers remarks after winning the NCO category.
Staff Sgt. Paulo Napoles, a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, uses his compass during the Land Navigation event while participating in the Hawaii Army National Guard’s annual Best Warrior Competitition at Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa, H.I., on March 02, 2019. Soldiers battle to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to prove they are the Best Warrior and receive a chance to compete at the regional level. (U.S. Army National Gaurd photo by Sgt. Kealalaulii Gandia/Released)
Staff Sgt. Paulo Napoles with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Hawaii Army National Guard road marches during the Best Warrior Competition on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 1, 2019. Soldiers are challenged during this three-day competition involving a combat pistol qualification enabling Soldiers to engage targets while moving, an M4 qualification, land navigation, weapon assembly, road march, written exam, appearance board and multiple scenario-based warrior tasks. (Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama)
Staff Sgt. Paulo Napoles with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Hawaii Army National Guard continues the road march after reaching the turn-around point during the Best Warrior Competition on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 1, 2019. Soldiers are challenged during this three-day competition involving a combat pistol qualification enabling Soldiers to engage targets while moving, an M4 qualification, land navigation, weapon assembly, road march, written exam, appearance board and multiple scenario-based warrior tasks. (Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama)

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2018

Schofield Barracks, March 4, 2018

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Pfc. William I. Brady of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 299 Cavalry Regiment.

Pfc. William I. Brady of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment gives a 9 line MEDEVAC report during a training event at the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 3, 2018. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values, embody the Warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the Future. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Chavaughn Washington/Released)
Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band, 103rd Troop Command competes in the 12-mile ruck march during the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Mar. 2, 2018. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values, embody the Warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the Future.
Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band, 103rd Troop Command and Pfc. William I. Brady of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment compete in the 12-mile ruck march during the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Mar. 2, 2018. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values, embody the Warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the Future.
Staff Sgt. Krysta M. Waters of the 111th Army Band change a tire of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle during a mystery event at the Best Warrior Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March 3, 2018. The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values, embody the Warrior Ethos, and represent the Force of the Future. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Chavaughn Washington/Released)

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2017

March 4-5, 2017

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Brian Woods.

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Paul Berzinas.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian Woods, assigned to Alpha Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion, Hawaii Army National Guard, takes a deep breath as he nears the midway point of a twelve mile road march during the Hawaii best warrior competition March 5, 2017. The grueling three-day competition tested Soldiers on numerous warrior tasks, and included several events designed to test each Soldier’s mental and physical endurance. Staff Sgt. Woods’ performance during the competition earned him the title of the 2017 Hawaii Army National Guard non-commissioned officer of the year.
U.S. Army Spc. Paul Berzinas, assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Hawaii Army National Guard, remains focused after passing the midway point of a twelve mile road march during the Hawaii best warrior competition March 5, 2017. The grueling three-day competition tested Soldiers on numerous warrior tasks, and included several events designed to test each Soldier’s mental and physical endurance. Spc. Berzinas’ performance during the competition earned him the title of the 2017 Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier of the year.
U.S. Army Spc. Pual Berzinas bounds forward while reacting to simulated direct fire during the warrior tasks portion of the Hawaii Best Warrior Competition March 4, 2017. The grueling three-day competition tested Soldiers on numerous warrior tasks, and included several events designed to test each Soldier’s mental and physical endurance. Spc. Berzinas’ performance during the competition earned him the title of the 2017 Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier of the year.
U.S. Army Spc. Paul Berzinas, assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, carries two five-gallon water cans while transitioning between events during the warrior tasks portion of the Hawaii Best Warrior Competition March 4, 2017. The grueling three-day competition tested Soldiers on numerous warrior tasks, and included several events designed to test each Soldier’s mental and physical endurance. Spc. Berzinas’ performance during the competition earned him the title of the 2017 Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier of the year.

2016

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year SSG Kalani Apilado (TRP C 1-299 CAV)

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year SPC Ralph Custodio (TRP B 1-299 CAV)

2015

Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, March 6-8, 2015

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Sgt. Shaun Gomes, 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion. 

Best Warrior Competition Soldier of the Year Spc. Cruser Barnes, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment cavalry scout. He as well won the 2015 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition.

U.S. Army Spc. Cruser Barnes (center), 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), takes a knee behind cover with a U.S. Army Soldier during a movement under direct fire exercise as part of the 2015 Hawaii Army National Guard and Reserve Best Warrior Competition Mar. 8, 2015, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. Competitors included eight soldiers from the U.S. Army National Guard and 13 soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve assigned to units throughout the Pacific Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
U.S. Army Spc. Cruser Barnes, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), pulls a litter across a training course during a combat army readiness test as part of the 2015 Hawaii Army National Guard and Reserve Best Warrior Competition March 6, 2015, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. Competitors included eight Soldiers from the U.S. Army National Guard and 13 Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve stationed around the Pacific Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
U.S. Army Spc. Cruser Barnes, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), maneuvers through obstacles during a combat army readiness test as part of the 2015 Hawaii Army National Guard and Reserve Best Warrior Competition March 6, 2015, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. Competitors included eight Soldiers from the U.S. Army National Guard and 13 Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve assigned to units throughout the Pacific Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
Sgt. Shaun Gomes, 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion
Spec. Cruser Barnes, 1 Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment

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2014

298th Multi-Functional Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, March 2, 2014

Best Warrior Competition Noncommissioned Officer of the Year SGT Brian Trukki

The 2014 Hawaii Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition competitors top row (l-r): Sgt. Brian Trukki, Spc. Cambron Kuloloio, Pfc. Cruser Barnes, Pfc. Christopher Castro, Spc. Jordan Van Hoogstraten. Bottom row (l-r): Sgt. Kelly Tyznik, Sgt. Daynes Sacro, Sgt. Bryson Taroma, Sgt. 1st Class Christian Staszkow, Pfc. Alvins Acuna-Campos, Pfc. Paul-Zachary Barraza, Sgt. Danny Acidera. The competition was held at 298th Multi-Functional Training Institute Feb. 27-March 2, 2014 at Waimanalo, Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon/Released)
U.S. Army Pfc. Christopher Castro, Company Alpha, 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, performs a triangle headlock on Pfc. Paul-Zachary Barraza, Company Charlie, 29th Brigade Support Battalion during the Modern Army Combatives portion of the Hawaii Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition March 2, 2014 held at 298th Multi-Functional Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon/Released)
U.S. Army Sgt. Kelly Tyznik, Company Alpha, 29th Brigade Support Battalion, plots her next point on the land navigation (day) course during the Hawaii Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition March 1, 2014 held at 298th Multi-Functional Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon/Released)
U.S. Army Sgt. Bryson Taroma, Charlie Troop, 1-299th Cavalry, performs first-aid on a mannequin at the Evaluate a Casualty Army Warrior Task station during the Hawaii Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition March 1, 2014 held at 298th Multi-Functional Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon/Released)
U.S. Army Pfc. Alvins Acuna-Campos, Company Bravo, 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group, engages civilians at the Rules of Engagement Army Warrior Task station during the Hawaii Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition March 1, 2014 held at 298th Multi-Functional Regional Training Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon/Released)