Oregon National Guard Hosts Thrilling 2025 Best Warrior Competition
Warrenton, Ore. – Eighteen elite competitors from various Oregon National Guard units gathered at Camp Rilea from March 12-14, 2025, for the highly anticipated Oregon Best Warrior Competition. This annual event aimed to crown the top noncommissioned officer and junior enlisted Soldier/Airman of the Year, pushing participants through rigorous physical, technical, and tactical challenges.
Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Smith emphasized the competition’s demanding nature as competitors faced obstacles ranging from fitness tests and marksmanship assessments to land navigation courses under challenging conditions. “All I ask is that you don’t quit during the next three days,” Smith stated, highlighting the importance of resilience and determination.
The competition featured two categories: enlisted Soldiers (E-4 and below) and noncommissioned officers (E-5 to E-7), with participants having advanced from unit-level competitions. Competitors undertook a variety of military tasks, including a challenging series of ranges and an obstacle course testing their physical prowess and strategic thinking.
Day two was particularly grueling, starting pre-dawn and culminating in demanding tasks like a combat-focused medical response assessment. The strenuous activities continued into the final day, concluding with a long ruck march along the scenic Pacific coast, with winds and tides adding an extra layer of difficulty.
Among the competitors, Master Sgt. Daniel Gardner of the Oregon Air National Guard made history by winning the noncommissioned officer category, a first for his unit. In the Soldier category, Army Specialist Justin Slothower emerged victorious, expressing his intent to leverage this experience as he prepares for regional competitions.
Both winners reflected on the camaraderie and development fostered during the event, underscoring the competition’s role not just in identifying top performers, but in enhancing skills and fellowship within the Oregon National Guard.
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