Corporal Simon Drie Runnander and Private Jesper Andersson from the Army's 1st Brigade represented Sweden in the competition, which took place between 7 and 11 April. Over several intense days, the participants' military skills, physical abilities, and ability to act under pressure were tested. The events included weapon handling, medical care, communications, patrol duties, and shooting tests.
In addition to the main events, there was also an opportunity to undertake tests for the German military proficiency badge, which included swimming in uniform, sprinting, and shooting tests.
– This has been one of the toughest but also most rewarding training events I have undertaken, says Simon Drie Runnander in a press release from the New York National Guard. He adds that the exchange with American soldiers has provided new perspectives and techniques to bring back home to Sweden.
Jesper Andersson also highlights the exchange of experiences as particularly valuable:
– It gives us a better understanding of how American soldiers train and cooperate, while we get to show how we work in Sweden, he says.
New York's defence cooperation with Sweden is part of the USA's State Partnership Program, which includes more than 100 partnerships globally. The aim is to strengthen interoperability and regional cooperation between the USA's National Guard and equivalent military actors in other countries.
Since the partnership between Sweden and the state of New York began, several joint activities have been conducted, including staff talks and smaller troop exchanges. More bilateral operations are planned for the future, according to the New York National Guard.
According to the competition management, the Best Warrior Competition aims to identify high-performing soldiers and deepen cooperation between allied forces.
– We want the participants to return to their units and say that this is a cooperation we want to build on, says Edwin Garris, Command Sgt. Major at the New York Army National Guard.