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 Senior Airman Mary Bowers

550th Helicopter Squadron begins MH-139A initial operational tests and evaluations

341st Missile Wing

Feb. 12, 2025 | 3:59

Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter crews perform an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission alongside two UH-1N Huey helicopter crews over Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, 2025. IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. It's a rigorous testing and evaluation process that assesses the system's operational effectiveness, suitability and survivability in a realistic and operational environment.
Three MH-139 IOT&E flights took place during the week of Jan. 27, 2025, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities. One test evaluated the aircraft’s ability to support a convoy, assessing communication systems and general convoy support operations. The other two tests focused on emergency response, specifically launch facility recapture and recovery - measuring response times from idle to airborne. The helicopters responded to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force loadout and onboard weapons.
Congress mandates IOT&E to ensure the aircraft can successfully perform its assigned missions, as well as to provide evidence confirming the MH-139 can seamlessly assume the UH-1N Huey’s mission without any lapse in capability.
Once IOT&E is complete, a report will be compiled to inform the 550th Helicopter Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command of the aircraft’s performance. At that point, AFGSC can formally assign the nuclear security mission to the MH-139, allowing the UH-1N Huey to be retired from duty at Malmstrom. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)