Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Gay | U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Norris McCall, South Carolina state command sergeant...... read more read more
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HOPKINS, S.C. – Early mornings, long days, and late nights are just another part of the challenge for Soldiers in the South Carolina National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition as they compete to earn top honors.
From February 24 to 28, Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard and participants from the Colombian and German armies faced a series of tough challenges during the Best Warrior Competition. The event took place across multiple locations, including Fort Jackson and McCrady Training Center.
This year, 14 of the best Soldiers from each Major Subordinate Command (MSC) in South Carolina competed, having already proven themselves in their units. The competition also welcomed six Colombian Soldiers and one German Soldier as part of a military partnership.
“These Soldiers were selected as the best of the best by their commands, and now we’ll find out who will be our Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the year,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Norris McCall, state Command Sgt. Maj., South Carolina Army National Guard.
McCall explained that the partnership with Colombia allows their Soldiers to experience U.S. military traditions and earn American marksmanship badges. Colombia has been South Carolina’s State Partner for nearly 13 years!
Similarly, having German soldiers join the competition means an opportunity for U.S. Army Soldiers to earn foreign military badges, like the highly sought-after German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB).
To earn these badges, Soldiers must complete physical challenges and demonstrate their marksmanship skills with multiple weapons.
“All Soldiers in this competition will be pushed to their limits—physically, emotionally, and mentally,” said McCall. “That’s intentional. We want to find out who is truly the best. Those who win here will go on to represent South Carolina at the regional competition, which we’re hosting this year.”
Competitors face numerous challenges, including a 12-mile ruck march carrying 35 pounds of gear, day and night land navigation, medical tasks, and a demanding obstacle course.
“This competition shows Soldiers where they stand against others and highlights areas they may need to improve,” said McCall. “When it’s time for real missions, they’ll have the confidence and skills to perform at their best.”
In previous years, competitors stayed in barracks, which provided them with a comfortable place to rest at night. This year, organizers added a new challenge: Soldiers lived in a field environment, sleeping in one-person tents at a Forward Operating Base (FOB).
“When they arrived, we moved them straight to the FOB,” McCall said. “No barracks, no buildings. They start from the FOB every morning, just like they would in a real mission. This was a surprise change, but the Soldiers have responded well. Field experience is crucial, and we wanted to ensure they got more of it.”
At the end of the competition, one junior enlisted Soldier and one NCO emerged as winners. This year’s Best Warrior Competition winners were Spc. Micah Grover, 117th Engineer Brigade and Sgt. Noah Boggs, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
Winning isn’t the only goal of the Best Warrior Competition. Soldiers will take what they’ve learned and share it with their units, improving the overall strength of the South Carolina National Guard.
“This event follows our TAG Match, a state-level marksmanship competition,” said McCall. “Between these two events, we want Soldiers to take their experiences back to their units, encourage others to compete, and build teamwork and confidence.”
South Carolina will host the 2025 Regional Best Warrior Competition for the first time in several years. Soldiers from 10 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, will participate.
“The field environment will remain part of the competition,” McCall said. “But for regionals, we’re also showcasing different parts of South Carolina. Some challenges will be the same, but we’ll add mystery events to keep competitors on their toes.”
McCall emphasized that while only two Soldiers can win, the competition benefits everyone.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2025 20:16 |
| Story ID: | 491790 |
| Location: | EASTOVER, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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