NY Army Guard Soldiers compete to be Best Warrior on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Youngstown training area

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A Soldier engages targets during the New York National Guard Best Warrior competition at Camp Smith Training Site in April 2023.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK (11/03/2023) (readMedia)-- Twelve New York Army National Guard Soldiers will test their minds, bodies, and spirits in a weekend-long competition for the title of "Best Warrior" and a shot at representing the New York National Guard at regional and national Army competitions on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5.

Members of the press are invited to cover the weapons qualification and combat tactics events being held on Saturday at the Youngstown Training Area.

WHO: New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which has elements located in armories ranging from Long Island to Buffalo.

WHAT: Soldiers will be firing the combat shotgun, M-14 rifle, and M-17 pistol while moving in a simulated tactical environment. The Soldiers will also be tested in scenarios demonstrating their skills in tasks like operating a Humvee, reacting to enemy fire, and placing an anti-personnel mine.

WHEN: 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to noon, depending on task, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023

WHERE: Youngstown Lewiston Training Area, 1525 Balmer Road, Youngstown, New York, 14174. Map coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pd1CToRvhvmwYSARA

Members of the press wishing to cover these events must coordinate with Major Avery Schneider, the 27th Infantry Brigade public affairs officer at 917-443-1864.

BACKGROUND:

The 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is comprised of more than 4,000 Soldiers based across New York. The brigade also includes an infantry battalion that is part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

The annual Best Warrior competition tests Soldier's physical fitness, marksmanship, military knowledge, and Soldiers skills. Events include land navigation, the Army Combat Fitness Test, a formal interview, a tactical weapons course, and a 12-mile timed march carrying a weapon and full pack.

Soldiers compete in both enlisted and non-commissioned officer categories. The winners of this competition will compete against Soldiers across the New York Army National Guard in the spring of 2024. The winner of that competition then competes against Soldiers from across the northeast.