DVIDS – News – Akarng Best Warrior competition emphasizes excellent performance, partnership

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska-Funfteen competitor, including thirteen of the Alaska Nationalgarde and two from the Mongolian armed forces, took part in the 2025 Akarng Best Warrior competition, which took place from May 19 and 22 at the Elmendorf-Richardson common basis.

After four days of intensive physical and intellectual challenges, Sgt. Dylan Hennessey, headquarters and headquarters, the 1st battalion, 297th infantry regiment, was appointed as commissioned by the AKARNG and PFC. David Badke, Alpha Company, 1-297.

The annual event organized the 207th multifunctional training regiment and tested the participants in a variety of tasks, including live-fire marksmanship, obstacle navigation, a 12-mile jerk march, the army steam fit test, written tests and a formal appearance. The competition is intended to identify the most qualified and resilient soldiers in the entire group.

“The best Warrior competition of the Alaska Army National Guard 2025 is much more than just a test of strength, endurance and tactical skills,” said SGT. Maj. John Phlegar, Akarngs State Command Sergeant Major. “It embodies the spirit of the warrior – the inaccurate will to fight and win, regardless of the chances.”

Phlegar said that the competition not only honored the individual excellence – it showed strength of teamwork, the importance of willingness and the value of permanent partnerships that include continents.

For the first time in the history of the competition, soldiers from Mongolia took part next to their colleagues in Alaska. International inclusion reflects the long -standing partnership between Alaska and Mongolia through the state ministry of partnership of the Defense Ministry of promoting military cooperation and global interoperability. Alaska and Mongolia have been partners since 2003.

“This was more than a competition -it was an opportunity to build friendships, strengthen alliances and share professional skills between our armed forces,” said Maj. Walter Hotchill, 207. MfTR operations. “Our Mongolian partners have brought enthusiasm, resilience and a real way of war every event.”

Senior Sgt. Ganbaatar Purevdorj and Lance Cpl. Sainbileg Sandaijav represented the Mongolian armed forces. Both spoke highly about experience and underline the opportunity to learn new tactics, to train with American soldiers and to challenge themselves in an unusual environment.

“I think soldiers always have to be ready,” said Sainbileg and explained that every part of the competition was a surprise and that he had to be prepared for everything. “It was difficult, but I liked it. I trained for it.”

While they were evaluated and evaluated in addition to their US colleagues, they were not entitled to first -class awards and instead received appreciation certificates that recognize their performance and participation.

Ganbaatar said he appreciated learning how to do new technical devices, and was particularly impressed by the support and professionalism of his American colleagues.

The state partnership program now comprises 88 partnerships with 100 nations in the 30th year. Through events like Best Warrior, these relationships develop and improve global security cooperation and mutual understanding.

The best warrior competition not only identifies the top NCO and the soldiers in the National Guard of Alaska Army, but also increases the willingness of the strength. The winners will later represent Alaska in regional competitions this year.