An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | May 21, 2024

Alaska Army Guardsmen compete in Best Warrior Competition 2024

By Sgt. Marc Marmeto, 134th Public Affairs Detachment

The Alaska Army National Guard named its top noncommissioned officer and enlisted Soldier after a five-day competition concluding May 18, at Camp Carroll.
 
Spc. Emmanuel Hansen, a CH-47 helicopter repairer assigned to 207th Aviation Troop Command, and Sgt. Brendan White, an infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, took the title as the AKARNG 2024 Enlisted Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year respectively.
 
Spc. Emmanuel Hansen said the competition helped him grow as a Soldier.
 
“Anything we can do to make ourselves better is always good,” said Hansen. “You’re going to make it far [in the competition] if you want to be here and [you] keep pushing.”  
 
This year, nine competitors battled through several events that challenged their mental and physical aptitude.
 
Events included the World War II physical fitness test, target detection, obstacle course, land navigation, 12-mile road march, stress shoot, and several other assessments, all graded by senior NCOs who helped plan the events.
 
Sgt. 1st Class Paul Miller, a senior instructor and chief of training assigned to the 207th Multi-Functional Training Regiment, said these types of competitions are important because they help discover which Soldiers are ready to represent Alaska at the regional competition.
 
“The Best Warrior Competition is great for the Alaska Army National Guard. We can see which Soldiers are ready and the best in the state to compete for the nation,” said Miller. “This is the toughest competition we’ve had yet.”
 
Miller also said that these events demonstrate overall readiness, as the training regimen is planned six to nine months in advance to develop the necessary skills and resilience needed for the competition.

Sgt. Brendan White said he was thrilled to compete alongside his fellow Soldiers and saw much comradery throughout the week.
 
“It’s awesome to see that bond build,” said White. “It makes the days not as bad when we can all band together and be in the moment together.”
 
The competitors journeyed from as far as Fairbanks and Fort Greeley in Delta Junction to participate in this year’s BWC.
 
Alaska National Guard TAG Match 2025 showcases lethality across the force
June 6, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard conducts MEDEVAC mission from Skagway to Juneau
June 4, 2025
An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to A Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion conducts flight operations over Southeast Alaska near Juneau, Jan. 24, 2025.

Alaska Army Guard leads, supports statewide cadet leadership events
June 3, 2025
Alaska Army National Guard Spc. Katlyn Olexa, a recruiter assistant assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, leads a morning physical fitness session for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Dimond, Bartlett, Service, East, Colony and the Bethel Regional high schools at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 29, 2025. The PT session was part of the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge camp, designed to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and military discipline among the cadets. Alaska Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion personnel served as safety observers and mentors, providing guidance, and sharing their expertise to enhance the cadets’ training experience.

Alaska Rescue Coordination Center directs 10 saves during start of rescue season
May 30, 2025
na

AKARNG Best Warrior Competition highlights excellence, partnership
May 22, 2025
Fifteen competitors, including thirteen from the Alaska Army National Guard and two from the Mongolian Armed Forces, competed in the 2025 AKARNG Best Warrior Competition, held May 19–22 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Alaska Army National Guard aviators rescue four stranded boaters near Kotlik
May 21, 2025

The AKARNG's 207th Multi-Functional Training Regiment conducts Infantry Advanced Leader Course
April 23, 2025
na

Pararescue, airlift Alaska Air National Guardsmen parachute jump into Kodiak
April 10, 2025
na

Alaska Army Guardsmen rescue injured skier near Mt. Spurr volcano
April 2, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard rescues 3 plane crash victims on glacial lake near Soldotna
March 26, 2025
na