Best Warrior
California National Guard Hosts
Annual Best Warrior Competition with
First-Ever Airman Participant
The California National Guard hosts the annual Best Warrior Competition at Camp San Luis Obispo, Oct. 23-26, 2023. (Video by Spc. William Espinosa)
The California National Guard hosts the annual Best Warrior Competition Camp San Luis Obispo, Oct. 23-26, 2023. (Video by Spc. William Espinosa)
Story by Spc. Shae Cox
69th Public Affairs Detachment
"Our competitors are a source of pride for us. They exemplify the dedication and skill that California is known for."
Oct. 30, 2023
CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — In a historic first, the California Army and Air National Guard jointly hosted their annual Best Warrior competition Oct. 23-26, at Camp San Luis Obispo. This four-day event brought together 12 service members from major commands throughout the state, including the inaugural participation of an Airman, to compete for the title of best noncommissioned officer and Soldier in California.
"To contend for the title of California National Guard's Best Warrior has been a challenge, but I came prepared," said U.S. Army Pfc. Marck Anthony Rangel Garcia, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, who trained for six and a half months prior to the competition.
Competitors faced a series of rigorous physical and mental challenges, from marksmanship and leadership evaluations, to written exams and physical exercises.
The grueling nature of the competition was further accentuated by the presence of the cadre, who not only oversaw the event but also participated alongside the competitors.
With her weapon slung, U.S. Army Spc. Daisy Guinchard, 115th Regional Support Group, pulls a medical skid during the M4 weapon qualification portion of the Best Warrior competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
With her weapon slung, U.S. Army Spc. Daisy Guinchard, 115th Regional Support Group, pulls a medical skid during the M4 weapon qualification portion of the Best Warrior competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
"This is my third year competing, and I do it because of the camaraderie with those that I serve with," said Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Johnson, with the 49th Military Police Brigade and last year's runner-up. "This year, there's a whole other level of competitors– they're hungry, they've been studying and planning. But I've got to see the very best version of them, and it's inspiring."
U.S. Army Sgt. Alexis Medina-Esqueda, 115th Regional Support Group, wears a CBRN mask while evaluated on radio proficiency. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Shae Cox)
U.S. Army Sgt. Alexis Medina-Esqueda, 115th Regional Support Group, wears a CBRN mask while evaluated on radio proficiency. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Shae Cox)
Command Sgt. Maj. Yvonne Muchow, the command sergeant major for Camp Roberts Training Installation, expressed immense pride in the competitors, stating, "Our competitors are a source of pride for us. They exemplify the dedication and skill that California is known for."
U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Mayorga, assigned to the 49th Military Police Brigade, runs with his M4 rifle as he tirelessly competes in the mystery event of the competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Mayorga, assigned to the 49th Military Police Brigade, runs with his M4 rifle as he tirelessly competes in the mystery event of the competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
“As cadre members, we don't just oversee the competition; we are in the trenches with our warriors," said Sgt. Felicia Moffat, a cadre member for the event. "We sweat alongside them, we endure the same challenges, and we understand the demands they face.”
U.S. Army Spc. Regina Albarran Alba fires a round from an M4 rifle during the weapons qualification event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
U.S. Army Spc. Regina Albarran Alba fires a round from an M4 rifle during the weapons qualification event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
The mystery event, designed to test adaptability and critical thinking, proved to be a significant hurdle.
"To me, it's about figuring out the next obstacle and just doing my best," Garcia said.
Soldiers and Airmen from the California National Guard fly in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter over Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. on day two of the 2024 Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 24, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
Soldiers and Airmen from the California National Guard fly in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter over Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. on day two of the 2024 Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 24, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
This year's California National Guard Best Warrior competition was an event of firsts, marking the inaugural participation of an Airman and uniting both branches.
The significance of this milestone was not lost on those involved and serves as a testament to the unity and determination of the California National Guard in serving their state and nation.
Competitors included:
Spc. Regina Albarran Alba, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Sgt. Clay Brown, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Spc. Daisy Guinchard, 115th Regional Support Group
Sgt. Alexis Medina-Esqueda, 115th Regional Support Group
Sgt 1st Class Kyle Johnson, 49th Military Police Brigade
Spc. Dangelo R. Mitchell, 100th Troop Command
Spc. Kevin Mayorga, 49th Military Police Brigade
Spc. Isaias Maganda, Camp Roberts Training Installation
Sgt. Shayan Mirzazadeh, Joint Forces Headquarters
Pfc. Marck Rangel-Garcia, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade
Pfc. Dziains Yafremenka, 224th Sustainment Brigade
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Specchierla, 144th Fighter Wing
Winners will be announced at the Service Member of the Year Banquet in March 2024.
U.S. Army Shayan Mirzazadeh, assigned to California Military Department's Joint Forces Headquarters, operates a radio. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Elizabeth Buck)
U.S. Army Shayan Mirzazadeh, assigned to California Military Department's Joint Forces Headquarters, operates a radio. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Elizabeth Buck)
U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Mayorga, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with the 149th Chemical Company, 49th Military Police Brigade, braces himself behind a barrier during a grenade event on day three of the 2024 Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 25, 2023, at Camp San Luis Obispo, California. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Mayorga, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with the 149th Chemical Company, 49th Military Police Brigade, braces himself behind a barrier during a grenade event on day three of the 2024 Best Warrior Competition, Oct. 25, 2023, at Camp San Luis Obispo, California. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
U.S. Army Sgt. Bryan Clay, assigned to the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, reacts to the effects of the CBRN chamber during the mystery event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden, California Military Department Public Affairs)
U.S. Army Sgt. Bryan Clay, assigned to the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, reacts to the effects of the CBRN chamber during the mystery event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden, California Military Department Public Affairs)
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