U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Warrior Competition

US Army Europe Best Warrior LogoU.S. Army units from across Europe converge to compete for the title of Best Warrior. The week-long event tests Soldier skills, endurance, fortitude and resourcefulness as well as intellectual and problem-solving capabilities. Officers, noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers compete in separate categories and are evaluated on general military knowledge, physical fitness and common military tasks.

While some of the competition tasks are standard such as the Army Physical Fitness Test, written test, marksmanship, ruck march, land navigation and command sergeants major board; some of the challenges such as chemical defense and medical tasks - added to the stress of fitting everything into a few short days - makes the competition extra tough. 

Winners in the NCO and junior enlisted categories will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort Lee, Virginia.

For more imagery, videos and news visit our DVIDS feature page at: U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Warrior Competition

The Competitors
EBWC - Imagery
EBWC Videos
Video by Jorge Gomez
Unforgiving Terrain
Irwin Army Community Hospital
Feb. 14, 2024 | 12:51
The competition's 12-mile ruck march had a secret weapon: hidden hills that brought even the fittest competitors to their knees.

CPL Ivan Gaona, leading the pack, saw his sub-2:30 dream crushed by the relentless incline. Many, overconfident in their 3-hour target, found their plans derailed by the unforgiving terrain.

But amidst the disappointment, heroes emerged. SPC Elizabeth Engle, a Soldier facing her first 12-miler clocked in at 2:59 - one agonizing second from a "no go." Her story, along with others who conquered the impossible, shines a light on the true meaning of leadership: rising above, adapting, and never giving up.

Don't forget to show your support for these incredible competitors.

Music titles "Into the Unknown" and "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.
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European Best Warrior Competition Winners 2021

 

Soldier

Winner: Spc. Shaun Lewis


Noncommisioned Officer

Winner: Sgt. Brent Grafmuller


Officer

Winner: 1st Lt. Jim Schooley