A Soldier representing U.S. Army Special Operations Command looks over a map during the 2023 Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 2, 2023. Readiness is a priority for the Army. The Army is a people-based institution and individual Soldier readiness is the foundation of Army Readiness. The Army works every day to build an agile, adaptive Army of the future and the required tasks throughout this competition challenges the competitors to meet those standards.

Soldiers enter a CH-47 Chinook during the 2023 Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 2, 2023. The Soldiers competing for the Best Squad are comprised of teams from various units and military occupational specialties from across the Army.

U.S. Army Soldiers participate in an urban intelligence gathering lane during the Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 1, 2023. During the BSC, squads complete a fitness assessment, 12-mile foot march, weapons proficiency, hands-on squad tasks, written exam and essay, and culminate with a board interview with sergeants major from across the Army.

Spc. Ousmane Drame, a native of Dakar, Senegal, representing U.S. Army Futures Command, studies a map for the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount movement during the Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 2, 2023. Each Soldier’s individual readiness is vital to the effectiveness of the squad and readiness of the Army as a whole. An important element in maintaining an edge is physical readiness: achieving the level of fitness required to effectively perform your duties as a Soldier and a member of a team.

Sgt. 1st Class Cutler Holland, a native of Burlington, Iowa, representing U.S. Army Reserve, works with teammates to transport a casualty during the casualty evacuation scenario portion of the Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 2, 2023. During the BSC, squads complete a fitness assessment, 12-mile foot march, weapons proficiency, hands-on squad tasks, written exam and essay, and culminate with a board interview with sergeants major from across the Army.

Sgt. Jake Phillips, center, a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania; representing U.S. Army Special Operations Command, briefs a medic while participating in a casualty evacuation scenario during the Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 2, 2023. The BSC expands upon the established legacy of the Best Warrior Competition by highlighting tight-knit groups of professionals who treat each other with dignity and respect, have high esprit de corps and are highly trained.

Soldiers representing U.S. Army Pacific Command perform a simulated resupply mission during the Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 2, 2023. Readiness is achieved through building cohesive teams that are highly trained, disciplined and fit. Teams that exemplify these principles are ready to fight and win.