The final day of the 2025 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition marked the conclusion of an intense five-day event, testing the endurance, skills, and resilience of competitors from across the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgian Army, and—for the first time in history—the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF). This year’s competition was especially significant, as it was the first time any State Defense Force had been invited to participate in the Army National Guard’s premier soldiering competition.
Final Day: Pushing to the Limit
As dawn broke on the last day of the competition, the remaining competitors embarked on the grueling 12-mile ruck march at 0500, pushing through rugged terrain under heavy loads. This final endurance test demanded everything they had left, pushing them to their limits physically and mentally.
Following the ruck march, competitors were met with a well-earned celebratory breakfast served by the senior enlisted leaders of the Georgia Army National Guard, a symbolic moment of recognition for their perseverance throughout the week.
The last graded event of the competition was a high-stress simulated MEDEVAC mission. Competitors were required to call in casualty evacuations and properly load injured personnel onto helicopters for extraction, reinforcing their ability to operate effectively under pressure in real-world combat and emergency scenarios.
To conclude the competition, participants engaged in a professional development session at Chickamauga Battlefield. Here, they toured the historic site, studied key battles fought there, and even had the rare opportunity to fire original and reproduction Civil War muskets—connecting them to the deep-rooted legacy of the National Guard’s Minutemen.
Announcing the Best Warriors of 2025
The highly anticipated awards ceremony at Clay National Guard Center on March 14, 2025, recognized the best warriors who stood above the rest. U.S. Army Sergeant Nicolas White was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and Georgia Defence Force (Foreign Military) Corporal Dachi Matiashvili was awarded Enlisted Soldier of the Year. Matiashvili’s performance was so outstanding that, although he won the title, U.S. Army Specialist Heremes Rodriguez was selected to compete in his place at the Region III competition in April.
Additionally, Georgia State Defense Force Specialist Samuel Brown received the prestigious Chad Mercer Award, an honor reserved for competitors who exemplify the warrior spirit and resilience against all odds. Named after Sergeant Chad Mercer, a Georgia Army National Guardsman who repeatedly competed in Best Warrior before making the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, the award highlights Brown’s exceptional dedication and tenacity throughout the competition.
A Historic First for the Georgia State Defense Force
This year’s competition was groundbreaking, as the Georgia State Defense Force became the first State Defense Force ever invited to participate in the Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition. The invitation came as a result of the GSDF’s exceptional performance in joint training exercises, their vital role in Georgia National Guard emergency response missions, and their unwavering dedication to readiness and professionalism.
The Georgia State Defense Force sent multiple competitors into the rigorous 18-event, 144-hour challenge, proving that they could hold their own alongside seasoned National Guard soldiers. Their participation not only showcased their skill and preparedness but also reinforced the growing recognition of State Defense Forces as integral partners in state and national defense operations.
Recognizing the GSDF Competitors
Representing the Georgia State Defense Force in this historic event were:
- Staff Sergeant. Nathan Nowak
- Staff Sergeant. Timothy Casteel
- Specialist. Steven Naturman
- Specialist Samuel Brown
Each of these soldiers demonstrated remarkable endurance, discipline, and tactical proficiency throughout the competition. Their performance solidified the Georgia State Defense Force’s reputation as a capable and professional force, worthy of standing alongside their National Guard counterparts.
Looking Forward
The Georgia State Defense Force’s participation in this competition sets a precedent for future integration between State Defense Forces and the National Guard. Their success in this event not only brings pride to the GSDF but also opens the door for other State Defense Forces across the nation to participate in similar high-level military competitions.
As Specialist Samuel Brown reflected after receiving the Chad Mercer Award, “This is my way of serving my community, and I feel like I’m a part of something bigger than myself.” His words encapsulate the dedication and spirit of all GSDF soldiers who train relentlessly to support their state and nation.
The 2025 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition has come to an end, but the impact of this event will be felt for years to come. Congratulations to the Georgia State Defense Force for making history, to all the GSDF competitors for their outstanding performance, and to the winners who will go on to represent Georgia at the regional level.
The final day of the 2025 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition marked the conclusion of an intense five-day event, testing the endurance, skills, and resilience of competitors from across the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgian Army, and—for the first time in history—the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF). This year’s competition was especially significant, as it was the first time any State Defense Force had been invited to participate in the Army National Guard’s premier soldiering competition.
Here is the closing ceremony from The 2025 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition Event:
Here are more videos from the competition:
Here are more photos from the competition:
The final day of competition is over!
The competitors stepped off at 0500 for a grueling 12-mile ruck march, pushing through difficult terrain under heavy weight—one last test of endurance, grit, and determination. Following the ruck, they were met with a well-earned celebratory breakfast, served by the Command Sergeants Major of the Georgia Army National Guard, symbolizing that the finish line was near and congratulating them on a job well done.
The last graded event of the competition was a simulated MEDEVAC, where competitors had to call in and load casualties onto helicopters for extraction, reinforcing their ability to perform under pressure in real-world scenarios.
To close out the week, the competitors took part in professional development at Chickamauga Battlefield, where they toured the historic site, learned about the battles fought there, and had the rare opportunity to fire original and reproduction Civil War muskets. This experience connected them to the lineage of our National Guard Minutemen, reminding us all of the legacy we carry forward.
These soldiers have given their all this week, proving their lethality, resilience, and warrior mindset. Tomorrow at 1000, we will gather at Clay National Guard Center to announce our 2025 State Best Warrior winners at the awards ceremony.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, enablers, cadre, and everyone who made this event a success. Your support ensures that we continue to build and develop the best warfighters in the Georgia Army National Guard.
The Georgia State Defense Force in the Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition!
Georgia State Defense Force Spc. Samuel Brown reviews his scorecard after the “known distance shoot” portion of the Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Tullahoma Volunteer Training Site, Tullahoma, Tenn,, March 11, 2025.
Competitors are from the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgia State Defense Force, and the (country of Georgia’s) Georgian Defence Forces. The competition involves physical fitness assessments, written exams, and other warrior tasks and battle drills.
The Georgia State Defense Force is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense (DoD), along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(The Georgia State Defense Force is an unarmed component of the Georgia (DoD). Weapons are used for training, sanctioned competitions, or other authorized purposes.)
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Alexandria Amos)
Hold ‘Em Up!
Georgia State Defense Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Nowak completes the 15-meter swim during the combat water survival training event, Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Cumming Aquatic Center, Cumming, Ga., March 9, 2025.
This is the first time the Georgia State Defense Force has competed in Best Warrior. The competition involves physical fitness assessments, written exams, and other warrior tasks and battle drills.
The Georgia State Defense Force is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense (DoD), along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(The Georgia State Defense Force is an unarmed component of the Georgia [DoD]. Weapons are used for training, sanctioned competitions, or other authorized purposes.)
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Kiera-Grace Sheppard)
Preppin’ for Water Survival!
Competitors from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, and Georgian Defence Forces prepare for the water survival training event during the Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition, Cumming Readiness Center, Cumming, Ga., March 9, 2025.
This year, the Georgia State Defense Force entered the competition for the first time. The competition involves physical fitness assessments, written exams, and other warrior tasks and battle drills.
The Georgia State Defense Force is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and the Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the Georgia State Defense Force at gsdf.link/join
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Kiera-Grace Sheppard)
Brigadier Gen. Jason Fryman (far left), Commanding General of the Georgia Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. John Ballenger (far right), State Command Sergeant Major of the Georgia Army National Guard, congratulate Georgia State Defense Force Spc. Samuel Brown (second from left), who was presented the Chad Mercer Award at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition, Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., March 14, 2025
The Georgia State Defense Force entered the competition for the first time this year!
The Georgia Army National Guard and (the country of Georgia’s) Georgian Defence Force also participated in the Best Warrior Competition. The competition involved physical fitness assessments, written exams, and other warrior tasks and battle drills.
The Georgia State Defense Force is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
To join the Georgia State Defense Force, go to gsdf.link/join
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Alexandria Amos)
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – Georgia State Command Sergeant Major – Georgia National Guard – DVIDS
