National Guard troops compete for Best Warrior trophy

Indiana National Guardsmen and Slovakian service members competed in this year’s Best Warrior Competition over the weekend at Camp Atterbury. The competition tested basic soldier skills including physical fitness, marksmanship and combat readiness.

The three-day event started Friday and included a variety of events such as an obstacle course, medical evacuation exercise, gun-firing lanes, combat fitness tests, a ruck march, land navigation and an appearance board. 20 National Guard soldiers and one airman took part in the competition in sub-freezing temperatures. Slovakia, which partners with the Indiana National Guard, sent three participants.

Spc. Samuel Parker, an infantryman with the 151st Infantry Regiment and Sgt. Christopher Swygart, an infantryman with the 293rd Infantry Regiment, were recognized as the winners of “Best Noncommissioned Officer” and “Best Warrior.” They will represent the Indiana National Guard at the regional competition later this year and possibly national competitions.

Photo: Senior Airmen Evan Nieves, with the 122nd Fighter Wing, sprints through the obstacle course for the Best Warrior Competition, Friday at Camp Atterbury. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hannah Clifton)