CUMMING, Ga. – The battle for the title of Georgia’s top soldier is officially underway. On March 9, the 2025 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition kicked off at the Cumming Readiness Center, setting the stage for a grueling series of events designed to test the limits of 15 elite competitors.
A Historic Year for the Competition
This year’s competition carries added significance. For the first time, the Georgia State Defense Force has joined the ranks, adding a new layer of depth to an already fierce contest. Additionally, the event marks the 30th anniversary of the Georgia National Guard’s partnership with the country of Georgia, highlighting international cooperation and shared military excellence.
“I’ve been in the State Defense Force for eight years,” said Staff Sgt. Nathan Nowak, an opposing force (OPFOR) training noncommissioned officer. “It’s very exciting to participate in the competition and overcome the challenges that have led us to this point.”
The Ultimate Test of Skill and Endurance
Competitors face a gauntlet of physically and mentally demanding challenges, with events spread across multiple locations, including the Cumming Readiness Center and the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site in Ringgold. The lineup of events is designed to push soldiers to their limits:
- Army Combat Fitness Test
- Weapons round robin
- Urban assault event
- Combat water survival test
- Land navigation
- Nine-line MEDEVAC drill
- Formal interview board
- Essay writing assessment
Each event is structured to assess critical combat readiness, technical expertise, and leadership skills.
Partnership and Excellence on Display
The inclusion of the Georgian Defence Forces for a second consecutive year underscores the deepening ties between the two military forces. Command Sgt. Maj. John Ballenger, senior enlisted leader of the Georgia Army National Guard, emphasized the importance of collaboration in maintaining military superiority.
“Our partnerships lead us to being successful, not only as individuals but also as an organization,” Ballenger said. “Communication is key. Our competition is the gold standard in the nation.”
The Road to Regional Glory
Beyond state recognition, this competition serves as a launching pad for future challenges. The winners will go on to represent Georgia in the 2025 Region III Best Warrior Competition, set to take place in South Carolina this April.
“This competition is a perfect example of setting the standard,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Charles Jarrard, an infantryman from the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “[Winning the competition] all comes down to if you really want it or not.”
With the competition now in full swing, the coming days will determine who rises to the challenge and earns the right to represent Georgia on the regional stage. The title of Best Warrior is up for grabs, and only the strongest will claim it.
