Two years ago the U.S. Army revamped its best warrior competition to focus on the most influential leadership element in the Army, the squad. An Army squad of soldiers consists of one squad leader (Staff Sergeant), two team leaders (specialists or corporals), and about six privates. For the purposes of the competition, each squad was made up of just five soldiers.
While the Army is filled with leaders at various levels, the average soldier will never receive coaching, mentoring, and instruction from a Colonel or a General. For most soldiers, the Army consists of their immediate superiors such as their squad leader.
The 2023 Army Best Squad Competition took place through September and October and pitted squads from across the Army against one another at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Squads were tested on their ability to conduct battle drills, land navigation, weapons testing, physical assessments, and other exercises while suffering from food and sleep deprivation during the 10-day event.
Soldiers who completed the competition also earned their Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) or Expert Soldier Badge which is usually a separate unit-level qualification event.
In the end, it was a squad from 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment that took top squad.
“I think the key for us to win was we’ve all been working together for years,” Sgt. Jake Phillips explained. “We all know each other pretty well.”
Members of the 3/75 squad had worked together for months, if not years prior. Some had even deployed with one another and built strong bonds. Phillips was chosen as NCO of the year and one of his squad members, Spc. Chancellor McGuire was chosen as soldier of the year.
