Soliders of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command, listen to instruction on how to operate a rocket laucher during the Army’s first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt-to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events, evaluating their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

Soliders of Squad 1, representing U.S. Army Forces Command, take a short rest after participating in a simulated escort mission during the Army’s first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Each squad competing in the Army Best Squad Competition consists of five Soldiers; a squad leader, which is a sergeant first class or staff sergeant; a team leader, which is a sergeant or corporal; and three squad members in the ranks of specialist or below.

Competitors rehearse loading operations with a UH-60 Black Hawk during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events, evaluating their physical endurance, technical skills, and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

Squad 2, representing the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, participate in a 12-mile foot march during the Army's first-ever Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. 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, featuring a multitude of fitness, knowledge and combat-related events.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition conduct a 12 mile ruck march on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, OCT. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Philip Amick, representing the U.S. Army Reserve, competing in the Army Best Squad Competition conducts weapons qualification on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The “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.