New York Army National Guard Specialists Arnaldo Santos and Austin Manville, both residents of Rochester, will compete at the Guard’s Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith Training Center near Peekskill in April. Santos will represent the National Guard’s 153rd Troop Command, and Manville will represent the National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Santos, who is in the security department of Rochester General Hospital in civilian life, is a member of the 222nd Military Police Company which is based at the Patriot Way Armory in Rochester.
Manville is a member of Charlie Troop of the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, which is based at the Masten Avenue Armory in Buffalo.
The Best Warrior Competition, which will be held from April 6 to 9, tests a Soldier’s physical fitness, endurance, marksmanship, military knowledge, and military skills. The competition picks a top enlisted Soldier and top non-commissioned officer.
Both Santos and Manville will compete in the enlisted Soldier category.
These Soldiers then compete in regional, national, and all-Army competitions to pick the best enlisted Soldier and NCO in the entire Army for that year.
During the grueling competition, Soldiers take the Army Combat Fitness Test, participate in a 12-mile timed march carrying a weapon and loaded pack, test their ability to navigate across country, demonstrate their proficiency in skills like emplacing a land mine, treating a wounded Soldier, or making a radio call. They also take part in a tactical stress shoot in which they move and engage targets with their M-4 rifle.
The Soldiers are also tested on their knowledge of military regulations and procedures before a board of senior non-commissioned officers.
The Soldiers also get the chance to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, which involves a few additional tests like pistol shooting and swimming in full uniform.
Santos has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2019. He was the platoon honor graduate during his advanced training and holds the National Defense Service Ribbon.
Manville has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2018. He served as part of the New York National Guard response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
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