FORT HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif. –
From April 6-10, 2025, Soldiers from across the Army Reserve converged at Fort Hunter-Liggett for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command’s 2025 Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition—five days of relentless testing, demanding physical trials, and tactical mastery. The event concluded with an official ceremony at Joint Forces Base Los Alamitos, recognizing the Army Reserve’s most outstanding warriors and squads.
The competition began with in-processing, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), and initial components of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB). Soldiers quickly showcased their determination and physical readiness. German allies participated in early events, fostering partnership and interoperability through shared challenge.
The following morning kicked off with a 4:00 a.m. 12-kilometer ruck march, followed by a rigorous obstacle course, grenade range, pugil-stick bouts, and a nighttime mystery event: a hand-to-hand combat scenario. These physically and mentally intense challenges pushed competitors to their limits. German forces did not participate in this phase, leaving U.S. Soldiers to tackle the challenges head-on.
Tactical operations dominated the next day with a round-robin of mission-critical lanes. Squads rotated through stations focused on squad tactics, combined operations, land navigation orientation, react-to-contact scenarios, security operations, 9-line MEDEVAC procedures, medical lanes, chemical agent identification, and detainee handling. In the afternoon, competitors were transported by UH-60 Blackhawk to the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) for simulated weapons training, then entered the gas chamber to test their endurance under CS gas exposure.
Land navigation returned with a renewed emphasis on precision, followed by the 9mm qualification for the GAFPB. Teams also faced a squad knowledge board, designed to challenge their doctrinal and operational understanding under stress.
The event culminated with a formal ceremony at Fort Hunter-Liggett, hosted by Command Sgt. Maj. Herman Luedtke, the 79th TSC Command Sergeant Major.
“This competition is where warriors are forged,” said Luedtke. “It strips away comfort, pushes you past exhaustion, and demands everything you’ve got—not just physically, but mentally and morally. These Soldiers didn’t just show up. They stood up. They led. They endured. And they reminded us all what right looks like.”
Among those recognized was Corporal Jared Haggard of the 311th ESC, who was named Best NCO for his outstanding leadership and performance.
“I didn’t come here just to compete—I came to represent my unit, my teammates, and everything we train for,” said Haggard. “Every event tested us in different ways, but what kept me going was knowing I wasn’t out there alone. We pushed each other. That’s what makes us stronger.”
Soldiers who completed the GAFPB received their badges from German partners, with some also earning the prestigious Schützenschnur marksmanship award.
Later that day, participants traveled to Joint Forces Base Los Alamitos for an official ceremony at the 79th TSC Headquarters, hosted by Maj. Gen. Dianne Del Rosso, the 79th TSC Commander.
“These warriors exemplify the grit, intelligence, and readiness that define our Army Reserve,” said Del Rosso. “They represent more than just excellence—they represent our future. In every challenge, they proved their capability, their commitment to one another, and their ability to lead in the toughest of conditions. They’ve shown us all what it means to serve with grit, gratitude, and grace. I couldn’t be prouder.”
The 2025 Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition showcased the Army Reserve’s strength, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Through shared struggle and hard-earned triumph, these Soldiers return to their units stronger, more prepared, and bonded by one unforgettable mission.
To Do For Country, Falcon Strong.