FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- The U.S. Army Special Operations Command announced the winners of the command's 2016 Best Warrior Competition (held June 6-10) in a ceremony at the headquarters building, June 10.
The Soldiers were from the four subordinate units within USASOC; 1st Special Forces Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command Combat Aviation Command, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, and 75th Ranger Regiment.
Staff Sgt. Clint Bahme of 1st Special Forces Command, was named the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, and Spc. Trey Caster of 75th Ranger Regiment, was named Soldier of the Year.
"As warriors, we love to compete. We compete against each-other and represent the organizations that we come from," Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Abernethy said, USASOC Command Sergeant Major. "I think this is a great opportunity to build relationships, and to have a better understanding of the capabilities that exist in each of our formations."
"One of you Soldiers or NCOs will replace me or my replacement one day, you are the future leaders there is no doubt about it," Abernethy said. "You are the reason why USASOC exists, and why we operate without fail and without equal."
Lt. Gen. Kenneth Tovo, the USASOC Commanding General, shared the CSM's sentiment stating some of the reasons why he believes these events are so important.
"You know another reason we compete, is because it 'sharpens the steel.' Hopefully along every one of the competitions it has not only improved your capabilities, but it has improved the capabilities of all those who didn't quite make it to this level but did learn something along the way," Tovo said.
The competitors where judged on the following events: written essay and general Army subjects exam, the Army Physical Fitness Test, a stress-fire range, day and night land navigation, combatives, Army Warrior Tasks testing, and concluded with a military board featuring a panel of sergeants major from across the command.
The NCO and Soldier of the year will represent USASOC at the Sergeant Major of the Army's Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the year "Best Warrior" competition in October.
Sgt. Isaiah Thompson of 75th Ranger Regiment and Pvt. Patrick Sargent of 1st Special Forces Command, were this year's runner-ups for USASOC's Best Warrior competition.
The runner-up NCO and Soldier of the Year must be prepared to assume the responsibility for representing the command if for some reason either of the winners cannot complete their requirements over the next year.
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