Alaska guardsmen compete, earn best warrior titles: Luiken, Marnell will advance to Army National Guard Regional Best Warrior Competition.

AuthorDresel, Balinda O'Neal
PositionMILITARY

Two members of the Alaska Army National Guard were recognized as top contenders for the Alaska Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition during an awards ceremony on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in September.

The victors had to demonstrate mastery of multiple skills through a series of fifteen events designed to challenge their physical and mental toughness during the state-level competition.

"The Best Warrior Competition recognizes Soldiers who represent their unit with distinction, demonstrating their proficiency with warrior tasks, physical fitness ability, and endurance," host State Command Sergeant Major Marc Petersen said at the Best Warrior Competition awards ceremony. "This three day event tested the competitor's ability to operate in stressful conditions while battling pain and fatigue."

Among the events designed to test the participants were an Army physical fitness test, live-fire weapons ranges, casualty evacuation, day and night land navigation, an obstacle course, cross country run, written exams, and state command sergeant major board.

"We would like to recognize all the competitors for their motivation, hard work, and tenacity during this demanding competition," said Petersen, before recognizing and congratulating each of the ten competitors from units across the state.

During the ceremony, Corporal Anthony Luiken, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, was named winner of the noncommissioned officer category, and Specialist Trent Marnell, 49th Missile Defense Battalion (Ground-Based Midcourse Defense), took top honors for the...

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