Hawai’i Army National Guard Identifies Top Soldiers with Best Warrior Competition

Posted on May 13, 2025 in 2020's, History

HAWAII, UNITED STATES

05.04.2025

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Lani Pascual

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

Competitors in the Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) pose for a group photo at the completion of the 2025 HIARNG Best Warrior Competition in Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 6, 2025. HIARNG’s finest Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers competed for top honors over a three-day competition to try and earn the title of ‘Soldier of the Year’, ‘NCO of the Year’ or ‘Officer of the Year’ in their respective categories. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. John Schoebel)

Against the backdrop of lush hills and dense foliage on Bellows Air Force Base in Waimanalo on Oahu, Hawai’i, 13 Soldiers test their warrior skills, stamina and resilience during the Hawai’i Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition Apr. 4-6, 2025. Each competitor was challenged with heat, humidity, rough terrain and a grueling schedule to test grit and fortitude in the hopes of advancing to the regional competition in Arizona this May.

“Doing the hardest thing and still keeping morale gets easier when you have others going through the same,” said Spc. Elvis Salinas, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion. He sees the competition as a stepping stone to an unwritten future.

Competing in the BWC could greatly enhance a Soldier’s career. It showcases leadership, physical fitness, and military knowledge, which may lead to promotion or opportunities for career advancement.
“This gives me the motivation to keep progressing in my career,” said Sgt. Christopher Petersen, a senior network communication non-commissioned officer with the 227th BEB. Petersen attributed coming in first on the ruck march to being a hiker and having trained for a marathon before BWC.

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See photos from day 1 of the competition
See photos from day 2 of the competition
See photos from day 3 of the competition
See photos from the competition

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