National Guard’s 256th holds Best Warrior Competition

Winners to compete next at state level

By Cadet Leah McPeek
256th IBCT Public Affairs Representative

LAFAYETTE, La.—The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team held their Best Warrior Competition in Lafayette, March 3, where 12 Soldiers representing all the battalions from the brigade competed.

Each battalion chose an enlisted Soldier and a non-commissioned officer through battalion level competitions.

The 12 competing Soldiers went through multiple tests on physical fitness and Warrior training tasks. The Warrior training tasks included: knowledge in land navigation, evaluation and performance of first aid, weapon operations, and communication by tactical radio.

In addition to physical fitness and Warrior training tasks, the competitors went before a board of evaluators where they were judged on appearance and proper wear of the Army Service Uniform, the ability to communicate, and intelligence of various Army topics.

This year’s top honor was awarded to Spc. Landon Martin, a native of Prairieville and member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 256th Brigade Special Troops Battalion,
and Sgt. Connell Galbert, a native of Monroe and member of A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment.

When asked about Galbert’s motivation to compete, he said, “I encourage Soldiers to live life one day at a time, and give everything your all at all times.”

Later this month, Martin and Galbert will represent the 256th IBCT at the state level, competing against top Soldiers from other units of the Louisiana Army National Guard.

After being asked about his preparation for the next competition, Martin said, “I will continue to prepare and train, just as I’ve been doing. I want to show everyone that I won’t let anything stop me from achieving what I want to do.”

Winners of the state competition will go on to compete at the regional level, and then those winners will continue on to the national competition and compete against Soldiers throughout the National Guard and the Army.