Photo By Senior Airman Asiah Phillips | Service members with the Texas Military Department and their international state...... read more read more
CAMP SWIFT, Texas – Some of the most elite service members from across Texas and allied nations gathered at Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas, to compete in the annual Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition February 24-27, 2025. This prestigious event tested the tactical proficiency, endurance, and mental resilience of participants from the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, Chilean Air Force, Chilean Marines and Army, and the Czech Republic Armed Forces.
The competition, known for its grueling physical and mental challenges, featured a series of events designed to assess combat readiness including land navigation, marksmanship, medical evacuation drills, obstacle courses, and a demanding ruck march. Each challenge pushed the participants to their limits, further reinforcing the skills necessary for military excellence as each day passed.
“The intent for the Best Warrior Competition is to build readiness, push their limits and bring out the warrior spirit within the service members that volunteer to participate,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Scribner of the Texas Army National Guard. “They’re able to learn and exercise these skills and bring them back to their units, in order to improve training.”
The inclusion of the Chilean and Czech armed forces underscored the global partnership and mutual training benefits that come from joint military exercises. Their participation brought a unique perspective to the competition, showcasing different tactical approaches and fostering stronger military relations.
“What’s most important about an event like this is partnerships,” said CSM Scribner. “It builds capacity for the Department of Defense. It builds friendship between us at the service member level and command level making us better for the future battlefield. It creates connective tissue between us. Everyone is learning from each other at the end of the day.”
Among the highlights of the event was the obstacle course, where competitors navigated a series of high-intensity challenges designed to simulate combat scenarios. They then pushed towards two separate firing ranges to test marksmanship. The day concluded with a ruck march, a 10-mile trek carrying a minimum of 35 pounds of gear, proved to be a true test of endurance and determination. Participants also faced a formal board interview with senior enlisted leaders, testing their military knowledge, leadership skills, and professionalism.
For many, the competition was an intense challenge of their skills and mental capacity, regardless of what role they occupy at their home unit.
“It was brutal,” said Staff Sgt. Irvinn Ramirez, a Respiratory Therapist assigned to the 147th Medical Group. “You experience physical pain, while trying to complete tactical skills. It’s a challenge, but it’s crucial for any airman to have the necessary skills to step up if something goes wrong in the field.”
As the competition came to a close, the top performers were recognized in an award ceremony that honored their resilience and excellence. The winners of each category earned not only prestigious titles, but also the opportunity to represent their respective organizations in future competitions at the regional and national levels.
Staff Sgt. Issac Johnson and Senior Airman Mason Aguilar secured titles for the 147th Attack Wing, advancing to regionals alongside soldiers and state partners alike.
The Best Warrior Competition once again showcased the strength, skill, and international collaboration that define modern military readiness. As service members return to their respective units, they carry with them invaluable experience and a renewed commitment to excellence, ensuring that the spirit of competition continues to drive the best of the best forward.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.05.2025 13:14 |
| Story ID: | 491992 |
| Location: | CAMP SWIFT, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 388 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Elite Warriors Compete for Top Honors at 2025 Best Warrior Competition, by SrA Asiah Phillips, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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