Photos: 2015 Best Warrior Competition

Sgt. Joshua Rojo is slammed to the ground after stepping into a plywood "tactical house," closing his eyes as ordered and awaiting contact from an assailant during the Best Warrior Competition on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Soldiers were graded on how they reacted to contact as they worked to create space and take control of the situation while maintaining possession of their weapon and putting it to use if necessary. Thirteen soldiers and 12 noncommissioned officers are competing this week to represent U.S. Army Alaska at the U.S. Army Pacific competition in June. Finalists from commands around the world will meet in Virginia this fall to vie for the Army Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year titles. Soldiers representing their units at JBER and Ft. Wainwright are being tested on their Army aptitude, urban warfare abilities, physical fitness, and skill levels in warrior tasks and battle drills. They will also take written exams and and face a selection board. The four-day competition at JBER concludes Friday.