NY Army Guard Sgt. Brandon Clemente, a Poughkeepsie resident, wins 27th Infantry Brigade Best Warrior Competition

Three-day event evaluated Soldiers fitness, skills, marksmanship, and military knowledge

Niagara Falls, NY (11/01/2021) — New York Army National Guard Sgt. Brandon Clemente, a Poughkeepsie resident, was one of two winners in the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Best Warrior contest, held October 20-23 in Youngstown and Niagara Falls.

Clemente, age 26, was the top winner in the non-commissioned officer category.

He is a member of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, known as the Fighting 69th, which is headquartered in Manhattan, but which has elements in the Hudson Valley and Long Island.

Spc. Austin Manville, of Rochester, won in the junior enlisted Soldier category.

The Best Warrior competition is an annual event in which Soldiers from across New York compete at their local units before going onto a statewide competition.

The winners of that event compete regionally, then compete against National Guard Soldiers from around the country. Eventually there is a competition for the best Soldier in the entire Army.

Each of the Soldiers who competed previously won their individual battalion-level best warrior competition. Winning at the brigade level involves a lot of individual work by the Soldiers.

"There are a lot of hours of training and studying to prepare, a little bit of lost sleep. But it's what's necessary," Clemente said. "You've got to put the time in if you want to win."

Clemente and Manville were among 15 Soldiers from the 27th Brigade, who competed to go on to the state level competition in May of 2022.

Clemente works as an Asset Protection Specialist at Home Depot in civilian life.

The 27th Infantry Brigade has about 3,500 Soldiers located in units across New York from Long Island to Jamestown. The multi-day competition tests a Soldier's military knowledge, physical fitness, endurance, and marksmanship.

The event included a 12-mile forced march with a 35 pound pack and weapon, along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. The Soldiers had to complete the event in three hours to stay in the competition.

A stress shoot required each Soldier to drag a medical dummy to safety, while firing their rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. The shoot scenario finished with each competitor calling for medical evacuation over a radio and launching a smoke grenade to signal for a landing zone.

At separate locations nearby, the Soldiers were tested on their ability to assemble and utilize a radio to give a report, assemble, disassemble and perform a functions check of the M2 machine gun, and treat a casualty under fire.

After their first rest period in 24 hours, the Soldiers were back in action Saturday before the sun came up, completing an Army Combat Fitness Test.

The six-event test included a three repetition maximum deadlift, a standing power throw, hand release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry relay, hanging leg tuck and a two-mile run.

The final challenge - a "mystery event" revealed when it began - was a two page essay.

The Soldiers demonstrated critical thinking skills as they were asked to write about what the Army is doing to combat corrosive issues - suicide, sexual harassment and assault, and racism - and how they think the organization can continue to improve.

The Soldiers were also judged on military knowledge and the appearance of their uniforms.

"Events like this are important for camaraderie between the battalion, the brigade, and also to build future leaders and to motivate everyone else," he said.

It was good to win the brigade event, but he has a lot more to do to prepare for the statewide Best Warrior competition in May of 2022, Clemente said.

He will be focusing mostly on improving his running times and overall fitness, he said.

Media Attachments