By Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs
PINEVILLE, La. – Seventeen of the Louisiana National Guard’s top Soldiers competed in the 2025 Best Warrior Competition LANG Training Center Pineville, March 24-28.
The annual event challenges Soldiers and noncommissioned officers in both basic and advanced warrior tasks. The top-performing Soldier and NCO are named the Guard’s Best Warriors and move on to represent the State at the regional level.
Throughout the four-day competition, participants were tested on their physical endurance, mental resilience and military proficiency through a series of events.
The first day began with an orientation and safety brief, followed by board interviews in the Army Service Uniform before senior enlisted leaders from across the State. Competitors then changed back into their duty uniforms to complete an essay and a weapons challenge.
“I enjoyed doing the basic Soldier tasks,” said Staff Sgt. Devanté Benoit, a recruiter with the 18th Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “Depending on your position or MOS [military occupation specialty], you may not get to do them regularly. Being able to refine those fundamental skills is valuable.”
Events on the second and third days included the Army Combat Fitness Test, rifle and pistol qualification, land navigation, a mystery event, an obstacle course and a stress shoot.
“I enjoyed helping other competitors prepare,” said Spc. Kyle Jones, an infantryman with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “Whether it was breaking down a weapon system or reviewing land navigation, it was an opportunity to share knowledge and build confidence.”
The competition concluded with a 12-mile ruck march, which had to be completed in under three hours while carrying a 35-pound ruck and a weapon.
Benoit, a Lafayette native, and Jones, of Prairieville, were named LANG’s 2025 NCO and Soldier of the Year.
“I was surprised I won,” said Jones. “I knew it would be close. It means a lot to win for the people who believed in me and the leaders who trained me.”
During the awards ceremony, competitors were recognized by Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman, command senior enlisted leader Louisiana, and Command Sgt. Maj. Sud Robertson, LANG senior enlisted advisor–Army, along with competition staff and leaders from across the State.
“Congratulations to all the competitors,” said Robertson. “To those moving on to regionals, prepare yourselves—the next level is even more demanding.”
“Whether it takes one try or four, your future here is shaped by your persistence,” said Ockman. “Our job as NCOs is to train and mentor. The skills you gain here make you more effective and trustworthy leaders.”
Benoit and Jones will represent Louisiana at the Region V Best Warrior Competition in Oklahoma this May.
“It means everything to represent the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as the first RRB NCO to win NCO of the Year,” said Benoit.
