The Georgia State Defense Force has once again been invited to participate in the Georgia Best Warrior Competition, an elite multi day event designed to demonstrate the readiness, strength, and professional competence of soldiers from the Georgia Department of Defense and the country of Georgia Defence Force. This marks the second consecutive year that the Georgia State Defense Force has been invited to take part in this demanding and highly selective competition. The invitation reflects the growing strength of the partnership between the Georgia State Defense Force and the Georgia National Guard, underscoring the organization’s role as a vital and reliable component of the Georgia State Military. The competition places participants through grueling physical fitness assessments, examinations, and complex warrior tasks and battle drills, challenging competitors across the full spectrum of soldiering skills in a test of endurance, discipline, and technical proficiency.
Throughout the competition, Georgia State Defense Force soldiers competed alongside members of the Georgia Army National Guard and representatives from the country of Georgia, highlighting the long-standing “Pair of Two Georgias” partnership established through the State Partnership Program in 1995. Events were designed to replicate real-world operational demands, pushing competitors through high-stress scenarios that required not only physical resilience but also strong decision making and tactical awareness. This year’s competition once again showcased the ability of Georgia State Defense Force personnel to perform at a high level within joint training environments, reinforcing their role as a professional force capable of supporting and augmenting National Guard operations.
During the Weapons Round Robin event at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site in Ringgold, Georgia, Georgia State Defense Force soldiers demonstrated technical proficiency and attention to safety while handling complex weapons systems. Participants such as Private First Class (GSDF) Joshua Carlson were evaluated on their ability to assemble and disassemble crew-served weapons like the M240 machine gun, while Private First Class (GSDF) Patrick Railey was assessed on his handling and technical knowledge of the M4 carbine.
Physical endurance was tested during events such as the demanding ruck march, where competitors like Sergeant First Class Alek Seams pushed their limits over extended distances under load. Land navigation challenges further tested participants’ ability to operate independently and accurately in field conditions, with soldiers such as Sergeant (GSDF) Steven Naturman plotting points on topographic maps and maneuvering across unfamiliar terrain. These tasks are designed to simulate real operational scenarios, requiring competitors to demonstrate both technical competence and mental toughness while operating under fatigue and time constraints.
The Georgia Best Warrior Competition also served as a platform to strengthen interoperability among participating forces. By training and competing alongside Georgia Army National Guard soldiers and international partners from the country of Georgia, Georgia State Defense Force personnel continue to build relationships that enhance coordination and mission effectiveness during joint operations. This shared training environment reinforces the broader readiness of the Georgia Department of Defense, ensuring that all components are capable of working together seamlessly in times of crisis or mobilization.
The continued inclusion of the Georgia State Defense Force in this prestigious competition is a testament to the organization’s growing reputation and the strength of its command leadership. Through initiatives such as Opposing Force training missions, search and rescue operations, Point of Distribution missions, and rapid emergency response capabilities, the Georgia State Defense Force has established itself as an indispensable resource for the Georgia National Guard. Notably, while National Guard units may require 48 to 72 hours to fully mobilize during major disasters, the Georgia State Defense Force has demonstrated the ability to deploy personnel on the ground within as little as two hours, providing immediate support when communities need it most.
The Georgia State Defense Force’s performance in the Georgia Best Warrior Competition reflects the professionalism and dedication of its soldiers, as well as the strategic vision of its command leadership, which is led by Brigadier General (GA) Dennis Watts. Their participation not only enhances the organization’s operational credibility but also strengthens the overall readiness of Georgia’s military forces. We extend our congratulations to all Georgia State Defense Force soldiers who took part in this demanding competition and commend them for their commitment to excellence, service, and partnership with the Georgia National Guard.
Georgia Army National Guard Kicks Off Annual Best Warrior Competiton
CUMMING, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES
03.09.2026
Story by Pfc. Emerson Sneary
124th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentCUMMING READINESS CENTER, Ga. — The 2026 Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition kicked off March 8 at the Cumming Readiness Center in Cumming, Georgia.
Seventeen competitors representing the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgia Air National Guard, the Georgia State Defense Force, and the country of Georgia Defence Force are competing this year at Cumming Readiness Center, Cumming, Georgia, the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site, Ringgold, Georgia, and the Clarke Range Complex, Anniston, Alabama Mar. 8-13, 2026.
“We’re testing the whole soldier concept with a tremendous focus on the warrior attributes,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matt Eubank, co-noncommissioned officer in charge of the competition. “This is the best professional development event that we do for our noncommissioned officers and enlisted corps.”
The competition encourages interoperability and effectively displays both the lethality and readiness of its competitors. This marks the third year that the country of Georgia’s Defence Forces, the Georgia National Guard’s state partner, have participated in the competition.
The Georgia State Defense Force, which serves as a volunteer force within the Georgia Department of Defense, is competing for the second year in a row. Georgia State Defense Force Sgt. Major William Ford believes that this competition provides an opportunity to show solidarity across the Georgia DoD.
“Interaction through competition is how we best build rapport with each other,” said Ford. “The training received allows us to translate and incorporate into our standards and how we perform.”
This year’s event also marks the first time the Georgia Air National Guard has competed in the Army-focused event. U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Chandler Durden, a security forces specialist with the 165th Airlift Wing out of Savannah, Georgia, is excited for the opportunity to get out of his element and compete against others outside of his organization.
“I’m happy to learn all that I can,” said Durden. “It’s something I’ve never done before, but it’s something that I can take back to my unit, and show what I’ve learned.”
“Every time we continue to include partner forces and adjacent units, it makes us that much better because it increases the overall quality of the competition,” said Eubank.
Events in this year’s competition include the combat water survival training, the Army Fitness Test, appearance board, a written essay, CBRNE, warrior training tasks round robin, weapons qualifications, MEDEVAC, land navigation, obstacle course, cave extraction, urban assault, ruck march and professional development.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their talents,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Neal Andreson, co-noncommissioned officer in charge of the competition. “Not only as an individual, but as a member of a team to demonstrate their mastery of Skill Level 1 tasks.”
“This competition highlights the very best of our warfighters and showcases the professionalism, resilience, and lethality of our force,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Meara Brown, senior enlisted leader of the 78th Aviation Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard. “It’s also a great opportunity to strengthen partnerships and demonstrate the high standards our Soldiers, Airmen, and state partners uphold every day.”
The 2026 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition identifies, recognizes, and commemorates its best Soldiers. Each Soldier’s individual and military skills will be assessed to determine who will represent Georgia in the 2026 Region III Best Warrior Competition hosted by the North Carolina National Guard later this year.
First Airman competes in Georgia State Best Warrior Competition
RINGGOLD, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES
03.12.2026
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Conley
124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Competitors in the Georgia National Guard State Best Warrior Competition began arriving at the Cumming Readiness Center in Cumming, Georgia on a cloudy Sunday morning, carrying heavy rucksacks into the building’s large auditorium as nervous energy filled the air, March 8, 2026. The annual five-day event tests service members’ tactical and physical skills across multiple training sites in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, highlighting the strength and partnership among organizations within the Georgia Department of Defense.As competitors moved through the in-processing line, one participant stood slightly taller than the Soldiers around him – U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chandler Durden, a security specialist assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, in Savannah. Durden is the first Airman to compete in the state Best Warrior Competition, marking a milestone for the event.
Durden moved with quiet confidence, reflecting his experience as an Airman. He served 13 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Georgia Air National Guard, bringing a depth of knowledge that set him apart from many of the competitors.
Durden said he did not initially realize the significance of the opportunity when he was selected to represent his unit. The competition slot was offered to members of his security forces squadron, and he volunteered after leadership encouraged him to try.
“It was offered to our unit and I was the only one interested in going,” Durden said. “My chief asked me specifically if I wanted to try because he knew I had more experience working with Army units.”
Durden, who serves full time in the Georgia Air National Guard as an Active Guard and Reserve Airman, said he saw the competition as a chance to challenge himself and represent his unit, even though many of the events were unfamiliar.
“I looked at it as a training opportunity,” Durden said. “I didn’t fully know what to expect, but it was an honor to represent my unit and the Air National Guard. I’ve always enjoyed training with the Army guys, so I wanted to perform well.”
After learning he would compete, Durden began preparing by reviewing Army warrior tasks and studying events he had not performed in years, including weapons systems and board topics. He said the experience pushed him outside his comfort zone but also showed how closely the different elements of the Georgia Department of Defense work together.
Some events proved more challenging than others, especially tasks he had not performed before. “There were a few, but programming the radio during the round-robin event was something I had never done before,” Durden said.
Where Durden stood out was during the weapons stress test. Moving confidently across the field, he maneuvered through each station with ease, demonstrating the level of training and discipline gained through years of service. Observers noted his efficiency and composure, which made it clear he was well prepared despite entering unfamiliar territory. Durden said he felt most comfortable during physically demanding events. “Urban assault and the obstacle course were probably my strongest events,” Durden said. “Those were the ones I enjoyed the most.”
Beyond individual competition, the event carries a deeper meaning for Georgia Guardsmen. Part of the significance behind the Georgia State Best Warrior Competition comes from the legacy of U.S. Army Sgt. Chad M. Mercer, a Georgia Army National Guard Soldier who competed multiple times in the event before being killed in June 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom while assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
The competition’s peer award bears Mercer’s name and is presented to competitors who demonstrate resilience, determination and the warrior spirit he embodied. Leaders say the event is designed to push service members beyond their limits while honoring those who set the standard before them.
Durden said he hopes other Airmen will take the opportunity to compete in future competitions. “Do it. It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I’d tell any Airman thinking about competing to get familiar with the lanes I struggled with and just be ready to learn.”
Having an Airman step forward to compete in an event built on that legacy reflects the Georgia Department of Defense’s commitment to building a ready and unified force. Durden’s participation showed how the competition has grown to include Soldiers, Airmen, State Defense Force members and international partners, reinforcing that the formation is strongest when it trains, competes and fights together.
For Durden, the experience meant more than competition results. “If my daughter reads this one day, I want her to know I enjoyed what I did,” Durden said. “It would make me happy if I was able to accomplish anything that made her proud of me.”
The Georgia State Best Warrior competition is underway!
Representatives from the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, alongside a team from our state partners in the country of Georgia, will be competing in a series of rigorous tests from physical to comprehensive to determine who will be this year’s Best Warrior!
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is once again competing in the Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition!
GSDF Sgt. 1st Class Alek Seams runs during the Ruck March event at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site, Ringgold, Georgia, Mar. 12, 2026. This marks the third consecutive year members of the Georgia State Defense Force have participated in the competition.
The competition brought together competitors from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, and the country of Georgia to test their skills through physical fitness assessments, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills. The Georgia Army National Guard has partnered with the country of Georgia through the State Partnership Program since 1995, known as the “Pair of Two Georgias,” which focuses on military training and interoperability.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Norred)
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is once again competing in the Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition!
GSDF Sgt. 1st Class Alek Seams runs during the Ruck March event at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site, Ringgold, Georgia, Mar. 12, 2026. This marks the third consecutive year members of the Georgia State Defense Force have participated in the competition.
The competition brought together competitors from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, and the country of Georgia to test their skills through physical fitness assessments, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills. The Georgia Army National Guard has partnered with the country of Georgia through the State Partnership Program since 1995, known as the “Pair of Two Georgias,” which focuses on military training and interoperability.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Norred)
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is once again competing in the Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition!
GSDF Sgt. 1st Class Alek Seams runs during the Ruck March event at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site, Ringgold, Georgia, Mar. 12, 2026. This marks the third consecutive year members of the Georgia State Defense Force have participated in the competition.
The competition brought together competitors from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, and the country of Georgia to test their skills through physical fitness assessments, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills. The Georgia Army National Guard has partnered with the country of Georgia through the State Partnership Program since 1995, known as the “Pair of Two Georgias,” which focuses on military training and interoperability.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Norred)
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is once again competing in the Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition!
GSDF Sgt. 1st Class Alek Seams runs during the Ruck March event at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site, Ringgold, Georgia, Mar. 12, 2026. This marks the third consecutive year members of the Georgia State Defense Force have participated in the competition.
The competition brought together competitors from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, and the country of Georgia to test their skills through physical fitness assessments, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills. The Georgia Army National Guard has partnered with the country of Georgia through the State Partnership Program since 1995, known as the “Pair of Two Georgias,” which focuses on military training and interoperability.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Norred)
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is once again competing in the Georgia Army National Guard State Best Warrior Competition!
GSDF Sgt. 1st Class Alek Seams runs during the Ruck March event at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site, Ringgold, Georgia, Mar. 12, 2026. This marks the third consecutive year members of the Georgia State Defense Force have participated in the competition.
The competition brought together competitors from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, and the country of Georgia to test their skills through physical fitness assessments, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills. The Georgia Army National Guard has partnered with the country of Georgia through the State Partnership Program since 1995, known as the “Pair of Two Georgias,” which focuses on military training and interoperability.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Norred)
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – Georgia National Guard – DVIDS – DVIDS – DVIDS
