EDINBURGH, Ind. – Indiana National Guardsmen recently gathered for a three-day competition at Camp Atterbury that tested soldiers’ physical stamina and mental toughness.
The Best Warrior Competition tested 31 Hoosier Guardsmen in several key areas, including Army Combat Fitness, land navigation, an obstacle course, a ruck march, a written exam, and more. The winners were selected based on an accumulative score from each competition.
“The Best Warrior Competition is not just about physical strength or tactical proficiency,” said Indiana’s Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Larry Muennich. “It’s about having the mindset of a warrior – these Guardsmen refuse to quit and never stop pushing past their physical and mental limits.”
The winners, who represented the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, are, for the noncommissioned officers, Staff Sgt. Zachary Green, Roachdale, from 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment headquartered in Columbus and for junior enlisted soldiers, Spc. Josiah Bowen, Fairland, 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment based in Fort Wayne.
This competition inspires a warrior ethos while also fostering camaraderie and cultivating a lethal and prepared force by challenging participants to demonstrate determination and adaptability in combat scenarios.
“I applaud each of the warriors for entering the arena and choosing to push themselves to be the best,” said Muennich.
The Hoosier Guardsmen will now advance to the regional Best Warrior Competition and test their skills against soldiers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin scheduled to start April 30 at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.
