Fort Liberty Soldiers take top honors during 32nd AAMDC annual Blackjack Warrior Competition

FORT BLISS, Texas - Four teams of U.S. Army Soldiers assigned across four brigades under the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas to earn the right to be called 'The Best' during the 32nd AAMDC's annual Blackjack Warrior competition held from May 13 through May 17, 2024.

The Blackjack Warrior Competition is a weeklong event designed to test the physical, mental, and technical skills of U.S. Soldiers. This competition brings together top Soldiers from the different brigades to demonstrate their talent in a series of demanding challenges aimed to provide Soldiers personal growth and development.

After four days of competition, the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, based out of Fort Liberty, N.C., was named the winning team.

The 108th beat out the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (Fort Bliss, Texas), 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade (Fort Sill, Okla.), 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (Fort Cavazos, Texas) to earn the title of best Blackjack Warrior team.

The winning team comprised of the following individuals: Staff Sgt. Jumar Maduro, Sgt. James Klukas, Spc. Michael Bahney, Spc. Thomas Landon, Pfc. Ryan Montalvo.

Maduro was also named the Blackjack Warrior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Landon was awarded the Blackjack Warrior Soldier of the Year.

The competition was structured to push participants to their limits through a variety of events that test their tactical skills, physical endurance, and mental fortitude. Participants start the first day by taking the Army Combat Fitness Test which qualifies them to continue in the competition.

During the rest of the week, competitors demonstrated their expertise in weapon assembly, land navigation and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) equipment handling. Furthermore, Soldiers engage in simulated combat scenarios that required quick thinking and precise execution. These scenarios tested their ability to operate under pressure and make strategic decisions in real-time emphasizing teamwork and communication.

Maj. Gen. Richard Harrison, 32nd AAMDC commanding general, highlighted the importance of the event to build teamwork and test aspects of each Soldier's fitness and lethality.

“Coming out here to compete really builds their resiliency, their ability to come together, overcome adversity, and become a cohesive team,” said Harrison.

The Blackjack Warrior competition is based on a points system where teams were awarded on successful competition of squad-based events. The competition fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among participants, as they strive to demonstrate their mastery of combat skills and contribute to the lethality of their units.

“The Blackjack Warrior competition provides a platform in which contestants showcase their Warrior ethos, tactical proficiency, and mental toughness, ultimately recognizing the best of the best within the command,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Carbajal, the 32d AAMDC non-commissioned officer in charge of the competition.

The Blackjack Warrior competition is a testament to the dedication and skill of U.S. Soldiers. By building on the traditions of other prestigious military contests, it continues to foster excellence and prepare Soldiers for the challenges of modern combat. Through thorough testing and the spirit of competition, these events help ensure that the U.S. military remains at the forefront of tactical and technical proficiency.