Army National Guard Names Top Soldiers in 2026 Best Warrior Competition
The Army National Guard has recognized U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Brown from the Florida Army National Guard and U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Fouts from the Arizona Army National Guard as the 2026 Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, respectively. This recognition follows their performance in the Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Florida. The competition, which took place from July 11-14, involved 14 top soldiers and noncommissioned officers from various states, who competed in over 25 events testing their marksmanship, land navigation, tactical decision-making, and physical endurance. Brown and Fouts will now represent the Army National Guard at the Department of the Army Best Squad Competition in September. 
