HRC Best Warrior Competition: first female winner recognized by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff

The Best Warrior Competition at U.S. Army Human Resources Command is known as a multi-day challenging competition that is open to the best of the best junior enlisted, noncommissioned officers willing to delve into competitiveness.

This year’s competition ended with an historical win after Staff Sgt. Ulita Knight became the first female assigned to HRC to win the BWC title.

Knight, who is assigned as a test analyst NCO in Systems Integration Branch, Personnel Information Systems Directorate (PERSINSD), didn’t hesitate to take the challenge to compete in rigorous events including weapons qualification, APFT, 11.5 mile ruck march, written exam, board interview and tactical first aid.

During a recent visit to HRC, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James McConville recognized Knight for her accomplishment.

“This is an enormous achievement and proves that hard work pays off,” Knight said.

One of her biggest motivations while preparing for the competition was reflecting on the recent loss of her father who passed away in April 2020.

“My dad was my biggest cheerleader and always made sure that I knew how proud he was of me,” Knight said.

As a 41 year old mother of four children and one grandchild, competing in the BWC was an opportunity for her to prove that she still has what it takes to compete among the best.

“My mother also inspired me and played the role as my personal drill sergeant, instilling discipline and structure in my life at an early age,” Knight said.

Her parents were a dynamic combination with raising her while encouraging her to never accept defeat.

Knight’s husband, a full-time U.S. postal worker, motivated her to get up six times a week for fitness obligations and oftentimes helped prepare their children for virtual school.

“My family was my primary source of motivation as well as my mentors,” Knight said.

For mental preparation, her mentors, Sgt. Maj. Gary Speed, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Tinsley, and Sgt. 1st Class Takeshia Gardner constantly performed knowledge tests and check-on-learnings four times a week.

She shared how entering the military at 30 years old while turning 31 in Basic Training inspired her to keep going no matter what.

Knight stated, “I want Soldiers to say, ‘If Staff Sgt. Knight can do it at 41 then I can definitely do it!’”