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Maryland National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition Kicks Off

By Maj. Erica Mitchell, 29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BALTIMORE – The 2024 Maryland National Guard Best Warrior Competition kicked off today with nine competitors on a mission to become the state’s next best warrior. The Best Warrior Competition test Soldiers’ ability to complete military tasks in a competitive environment.

Over the next five days of the competition, competitors will endure over 20 events designed to test their skills, resilience, stamina and teamwork. Events ranges from marksmanship and obstacle courses to physical fitness tests, water survival, ruck marching and written exams.

Before making it to this competition, each competitor had to win in similar competitions at their unit and brigade levels.

“These Soldiers have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, a desire to win and are the best of the Maryland Army National Guard, said Brig. Gen. Andrew Collins, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard. “The events of this competition helps prepare these Soldiers for real-world conflicts across the globe.”

The nine competitors of this year’s Best Warrior Competition range in experience, age and years of service.

“Our youngest competitor joined the Maryland Army National Guard just two years ago at the age of 20, while our oldest competitor is 50 with over 20 years of service – a testament to our training and retention,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Metzger, Command Sergeant Major of the Maryland Army National Guard. “I am extremely proud of each of our competitors, our formation is stronger, more agile and lethal with them leading the way.”

The winners of 2024 Maryland National Guard Best Warrior Competition will go on to compete in the National Guard’s Regional Best Warrior Competition hosted by Maryland from May 5-10, 2024.

To stay up to date on the competition visit the links below:

Downloadable Photo/Broll: www.dvidshub.net/feature/MarylandsBestWarrior
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/mdng/albums/72177720316000550/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MDGUARD
X: www.twitter.com/MDNG/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/marylandguard/