Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig | Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein, an instructor with 1st battalion, 166th Regiment,...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – A Pennsylvania National Guard Soldier is advancing to the 2019 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. and the Pentagon from Oct. 6 to Oct. 11.
Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein, an instructor with 1st battalion, 166th Regiment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, will compete against 10 other noncommissioned officers from the major commands for the title of the Army’s noncommissioned officer of the year.
“The state has been very supportive, there’s been a five to six week train-up,” said Friedlein, which includes; running, lifting, ruck marches, obstacle courses, land navigation, medical lanes, shooting, the Squad Advanced Marksmanship Trainer, and more.
He added that working at Fort Indiantown Gap with a supportive chain of command has been instrumental in his preparation for this competition and for the previous levels that led to the Army level.
Before reaching the Army level competition, Friedlein beat his peers at the unit, state, region, and Army National Guard levels to represent all 54 National Guards against Reserve and active duty commands. In 2016, He and his partner became the first Guardsmen to win the Best Ranger competition.
In addition to the resources available here, Friedlein has been training with Spc. Hunter Olson with 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, who will represent the National Guard in the Best Soldier portion of the Army Best Warrior Competition and was a fellow Region 2 winner at the Guard level.
“It’s good to train with him because we won’t be competing against each other and we’ll be able to help each other out like we did at nationals,” said Friedlein.
Friedlein also said he is grateful for the support of his wife and family, which includes a new baby born soon after the National Guard level competition.
A Soldier can only compete at the Army level Best Warrior competition one time, so Friedlein said he is confident and plans to make the most of the opportunity.
During the six days of competition, 22 warriors will test their knowledge, skills and abilities by conquering urban warfare simulations, demonstrating critical thinking, formal board interviews, physical fitness challenges, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills relevant to today’s operating environment.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2019 14:35 |
| Story ID: | 345826 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 338 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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