U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Warrior Competition

U.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

2021 U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Warrior Competitors.

EBWC - Imagery

EBWC Videos

Video by Jorge Gomez

The Badge & the Burden

Irwin Army Community Hospital

May 15, 2025 | 3:52

SPC Kangle Lin didn’t expect the Expert Field Medical Badge to be easy, but nothing prepared him for just how hard it would be.

A preventative medicine specialist with Fort Riley Public Health, Lin opens up about the reality of EFMB training. While confident in the academic portion, he admits the physical demands have pushed him to the edge. From equipment to fatigue-induced errors, Lin confronts moments that could make or break his chance at the badge. Yet, through the exhaustion and setbacks, he finds strength and encouragement in his fellow candidates.

The EFMB isn’t just another Army badge—it’s one of the most grueling and respected achievements in military medicine. Candidates must pass a series of no-fail, high-stress events that test their combat medical proficiency, tactical skills, and physical endurance. These include lifesaving care under fire, casualty evacuation drills, land navigation, warrior tasks, and a 12-mile timed ruck march—all performed without notes or second chances. Every step must be executed with precision. The smallest mistake—forgetting to verbalize a glove check or failing to secure a stretcher—can result in a disqualifying “no-go.”

Watch as Lin reflects on perseverance, growth, and the unexpected power of camaraderie on Day 8 of his EFMB journey.