NY Army Guard Specialist Arnaldo Sanos, a Rochester resident, to compete in New York Best Warrior event in April

Latham, NY (03/18/2022) — New York Army National Guard Specialist Arnaldo Santos, a Rochester resident, will represent the National Guard's 153rd Troop Command at the Guard's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith Training Center near Peekskill in April.

Santos who is in the security department of Rochester General Hospital in civilian life, is a member of the 222nd Military Police Company which is based at the Patriot Way Armory in Rochester.

The Best Warrior Competition, which will be held from April 6 to April 9, tests a Soldiers physical fitness, endurance, marksmanship, military knowledge and military skills. The competition picks a top enlisted Soldier and top non-commissioned officer.

Santos will compete in the enlisted Soldier category.

These Soldiers then compete in regional, national and all-Army competitions to pick the best enlisted Soldier and NCO in the entire Army for that year.

In 2021, New York Army National Guard Corporal Dakaotah Miller finished second in the Army National Guard's national event.

During the grueling competition, Soldiers take the Army Combat Fitness Test, participate in a 12-mile timed march carrying a weapon and loaded pack, test their ability to navigate across country, demonstrate their proficiency in skills like emplacing a land mine, treating a wounded Soldier, or making a radio call. They also take part in a tactical stress shoot in which they move and engage target with their M-4 rifle.

The Soldiers are also tested on their knowledge of military regulations and procedures before a board of senior non-commissioned officers.

The Soldiers also get the chance to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, which involves a few additional tests like pistol shooting and swimming in full uniform.

Santos has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2019.

He was the platoon honor graduate during his advanced training and holds the National Defense Service Ribbon.