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 Spc. Shawn Richardson
Swift Response 25 - SGT Nolan Svoboda
82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade
May 14, 2025 | 0:54
Sgt. Nolan Svoboda, an infantry squad leader assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, discusses his participation in Swift Response 25 - part of DEFENDER 25 - at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, May 8, 2025. The “I’m a DEFENDER” campaign provides a means to highlight the individual soldier and their contributions. DEFENDER 25 is Europe's largest annual U.S. Army exercise, incorporating approximately 25,000 soldiers from 29 Allied and partner nations to rehearse the ability to rapidly deploy forces, integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, and demonstrate combined command and control structures. Simulations operations will take place during three exercises - Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian - across 15 countries, building readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO Allies, and partner nations from May 11 - June 24, 2025. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Shawn Richardson)
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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