Story by Spc. Michael Camacho 
Photos by Staff Sgts. William Griffen and Chau Le
California Army National Guard Public Affairs

Nov. 22, 2025

CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.— The California Army National Guard hosted their annual Best Warrior Competition at San Luis Obispo, California, November 19-22, 2025.  Many will try, but only one will earn the distinguished title of Best Warrior through blood, sweat, and tears. Since 2011, service members throughout the state of California have gathered annually to push themselves beyond the mundane, challenging themselves through a series of obstacles that include navigating rough terrain, shooting weapons under heavy stress, ruck marches, agility courses, and much more, while in unfavorable weather conditions, adding an element of stress to all the event courses. This four-day course truly challenged these 11 contestants mentally, emotionally, and physically.  

“I am competing because I want to go against the best the state has to offer, represent our battalion at the highest level, and identify my weaknesses to make myself a better Soldier,” said U.S. Army Spc. Erick Kwon, an infantryman assigned to the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. 

The cadre who hosted this event share over 50 years of experience in the California National Guard; some of whom have even participated in and won Best Warrior Competitions themselves. 

“Best Warrior calls for us to represent our units, whether you win or lose, at the end of the day, the recognition and awards fade away, but the connections and relationships you make are what make the competition great,” said Staff Sgt. Shayan Mirzazadeh, a previous winner assigned to 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. 

The Best Warrior Competition consisted of 11 events, including a series of rigorous assessments that tested every area of basic Soldier skills. From conducting unknown-distance runs and rucks to land navigation to test their endurance, obstacle courses to test their agility (some requiring Soldiers to be 20+ feet off the ground), stress shooting, and written exam—all while sleep-deprived and in unforgiving weather and terrain. These courses were designed to test the contestants' mental fortitude and critical thinking skills under possible real-life scenarios in the field or deployments.

Day one consisted of pre-combat check in which Soldiers were expected to keep accountability of items needed for the course. The Soldiers then took a physical assessment that consisted of running two miles, sit-ups, push-ups and burpees. Shortly after they proceed to the M-4 range where they sprint up hill and down, then fired their rifles at targets.

On day two, Soldiers ruck marched 12-mile along with the M-17 range (pistol range), and written exams that tested their overall knowledge as a Soldier.

Day three included an unknown distance run at the beach, testing the Soldier’s fortitude and perseverance.

“This event will push you mentally and physically, but embrace it and get through it,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Raul Granado the noncommissioned officer in charge of this year’s Best Warrior Competition.

Though some contestants have specialties such as human resources and infantry, they all share the fact that this is their first Best Warrior Competition. After three days of bone-aching events, the contestants enjoyed time with their senior enlisted leaders, friends, families, and sponsors at the officers' hall, where a barbecue was held to celebrate the completion of the competition.

“Even though we don’t know who the best warrior is yet, I would say that they are all warriors," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Lynn Williams, senior enlisted leader to the adjutant general of the Cal Guard. “They represent the California Army National Guard. They are ready to do the job and ready to do the task that we ask them to do. That’s what is most important, but the second most important task is that they worked as a team”.

Sgt. Andrew Acevedo, a chemical, radiological, biological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) specialist assigned to the 49th Military Police Brigade, said he refreshed his Soldier skills, such as land navigation.

Whether you’re a supply specialist, infantryman, linguist, or administrative assistant, all service members can go above and beyond what they thought was impossible.

The winner of this competition will be announced at the upcoming Service Member and Employee of the Year event in San Diego next year. The contestants, as well as other service members and civilian employees in the California Military Department, will receive recognition for their efforts throughout the year.