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75th TC Best Warrior Competition held at JB MDL

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Class Lauren Pitts and Joshua King
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - --  The Atlantic Division hosted the75th Training Command 2015 Best Warrior Competition here, April 10 - 12.

The BWC is held at a different location each year, and promotes esprit de corps while recognizing enlisted Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army core values by naming top performers as Soldier and NCO of the year.

Soldiers competed in events chosen by the 75th TC command sergeant major, including the Army Physical Fitness Test, day and night land navigation, rifle marksmanship, combat and first aid skills, as well as three mystery events.

"We are looking for Soldiers who embody the warrior ethos and represent the force of the future," said Army Lt. Col. Daniel McLaughlin, 75th TC public affairs officer. "The BWC tests competitors' Army aptitude:  conquering combat simulations, board interviews, physical fitness tests, written exams, warrior tasks and battle drills relevant to today's operating environment."

The BWC kicks off early in the training year at the company level. The winners of the local units go on to compete at competitions at higher levels of command, culminating with the U.S. Army Reserve BWC. Seven Soldiers from the 75th TC traveled to JB MDL last weekend to participate in this year's BWC, coming from the Pacific Division, Southern Division and the Great Lakes Division.

Bringing Soldiers together from throughout the country promotes what the Army has to offer and increases morale, said Atlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Clowser.

"We are building camaraderie between Soldiers from all over," Clowser explained. "They motivate each other to do better."

Also motivating and cheering on the competitors were other Atlantic Division Soldiers as well as command senior leaders, including 75th TC Commander Maj. Gen. James Young, and all five division commanders, as well as nearly 2,000 followers on social media. 

Spectators were able to see first-hand the mental and physical testing of the Soldiers, as well as event scoring and the emersion of the victors.

Of the seven competitors, Army Staff Sgt. Orval D. Emory, was named the 75th TC's NCO of the year, and Army Spc. Sergio Borja, was named Soldier of the Year. For their achievements, Emory was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, and Borja received an Army Commendation Medal.

Both competitors will now go on to represent the 75th TC at the U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, next month.

"This competition allows us to showcase our best Soldiers," Clowser said. "When you're selected, you are identified as the best of the best."