Sept. 24 - Oct. 6, 2023: The U.S. Army Best Squad Competition

The most influential level of leadership is at the Squad – where the majority of our Soldiers reside. "Squad" extends beyond a traditional infantry squad to any small-unit group of Soldiers, connected by a squad leader, who has the most direct impact on their lives. Soldiers never fight alone, the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team. The competition features a multitude of different fitness and combat related events ranging from the Army Combat Fitness Test and various weapons lanes, to a strenuous 12-mile foot march and detailed individual warrior tasks and squad battle drills. Afterward, the top four teams of the week will travel to Washington, D.C. for a board-style interview that will test their knowledge and professionalism in front of top Army leaders.

Each squad will consist of five Soldiers: a squad leader, which is a sergeant first class or staff sergeant; a team leader, which is sergeant or corporal; and three squad members in the ranks of specialist or below.

CURRENT STANDINGS


2023 BEST SQUAD OF THE YEAR

unit insignia

USASOC


team photo

Squad Members:
Left to right: Sgt. Jacob Phillips, Spc. Chancellor McGuire, Staff Sgt. Andre Ewing, Spc. George Mascharka, Spc. Shane Moon



> SEE NCO & SOLDIER OF THE YEAR


2023 BEST SQUAD FINALISTS

Check back at the conclusion of the competition!

> SEE ALL SQUADS

“The Best Squad Competition displays what it means to be brilliant at the basics and seek excellence. These teams are cohesive, highly trained, physically fit and disciplined; and this is what it looks like to be a warfighter.”
— Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer

RELATED VIDEOS

RELATED ARTICLES FROM ARMY.MIL

Image: Soldiers from 25th Infantry Division Artillery conducted a 36-hour “This Is My Squad” (TIMS) competition intended to build strong, cohesive teams through tough, realistic training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 28-29, 2021. The series of physically, mentally, and tactically demanding events put squads from each subordinate echelon to the test, building their trust, physical fitness, discipline, and individual and collective readiness to accomplish challenging missions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessica Scott)

Image: Soldiers from 25th Infantry Division Artillery conducted a 36-hour “This Is My Squad” (TIMS) competition intended to build strong, cohesive teams through tough, realistic training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 28-29, 2021. The series of physically, mentally, and tactically demanding events put squads from each subordinate echelon to the test, building their trust, physical fitness, discipline, and individual and collective readiness to accomplish challenging missions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessica Scott)
Image: Soldiers conducted a 36-hour “This Is My Squad” (TIMS) competition intended to build strong, cohesive teams through tough, realistic training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 28-29, 2021. The series of physically, mentally, and tactically demanding events put squads from each subordinate echelon to the test, building their trust, physical fitness, discipline, and individual and collective readiness to accomplish challenging missions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessica Scott)

FOLLOW THE COMPETITION

Additional stories, videos and photos are available on DVIDS