FORT BENNING, Ga. – Troops from across the Army, its sister services and ally and partner nations will converge on Fort Benning April 10-17 to compete in one of four separate military competitions during Infantry Week.
Events will showcase combat skills and include the Lacerda All-Army Combatives Championship, Best Mortar Competition, International Sniper Competition, and the Best Ranger Competition.
“It’s about instilling the warrior spirit in our Soldiers,” said Brig. Gen. Larry Burris, commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School. “We train constantly to make sure we’re able to defeat our adversaries in the event we’re called upon.”
Events test Soldiers’ physical and mental toughness as well as teamwork in a series of challenging events designed to test their mettle and a chance to be named “best of the best” in their respective trades.
“In the Army, the culture is about winning,” said Burris. “There’s no second place in our business.”
Competitors’ superior physical fitness is not the only component in winning. The events also test the latest advancements in technology, equipment, and the evolution of tactics.
“I look at it from a holistic approach,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Blaser, a competitor in this year’s Best Ranger Competition. “It’s not only a mental test but all facets — tactical, technical, and physical.”
Venues in Columbus will host some portions of the competitions as well as Meet Your Army events. The MYA events are opportunities for the public to connect with their Army and will take place April 13 at Columbus Ironworks during the Lacerda Cup and April 15 at A.J. McClung Stadium during the Best Ranger Competition.
“It’s a great week to demonstrate what the Army is all about,” Burris added.
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