FORT LEE — Soldiers from Army units the world over are converging on Fort Lee this week for the 11th annual Best Warrior Competition.

There are 12 non-commissioned officers and 12 soldiers below the rank of specialist who will compete through grueling physical and mental tasks.

Winners will be announced at a special ceremony, attended by Army senior leaders, on Oct. 22 at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting in Washington.

This year's event runs through Thursday, with competitors starting events yesterday.

Last year's competition featured a format that had been used the previous three years, but Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler heavily influenced a revised format for this year's competition.

One of the major changes for this year is reordering some of the competition's events.

Typically, a board appearance has been the first thing that competitors do on Monday. Yesterday, competitors were on a simulated firing range shooting in scenario situations and at targets on the EST 2000 or Electronic Skills Trainer.

The event usually is done with real firearms on a range. However, due to work being performed at the range complex on post, the change to a simulated environment was necessary.

Best Warrior underwent major changes in 2006 when several Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills were added to what was essentially a board competition.

Less significant changes have occurred each year since. This year's changes include a reduction of the competition from five days to four.

fwiggins@progress-index.com
 

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