Regional Battle for National Guard Honor

FORT CUSTER TRAINING CENTER — Elite National Guard soldiers from seven states converged on Michigan this week to compete for the prestigious Best Warrior Competition title at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta.

The 2026 Army National Guard Regional Best Warrior Competition runs from April 29 through May 3, with media day scheduled for May 1 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event determines the region's Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

Michigan will be represented by two top performers: Sgt. David Pecorilli, the Michigan Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and Spc. Charlez Hatt, Michigan's Soldier of the Year. Both soldiers serve with the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment based in Grand Ledge.

Representing Michigan are Sgt. David Pecorilli, Michigan's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and Spc. Charlez Hatt, Michigan's Soldier of the Year. Both Soldiers serve with the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, based in Grand Ledge.

The competition pits Michigan against elite National Guard soldiers from Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Competitors face a demanding five-day event that tests physical, mental and tactical skills required of modern warfighters.

Warrior Tasks Push Limits

Participants compete across a wide range of warrior tasks. These include weapons proficiency, land navigation, emergency medical response, ruck marches, combat casualty care, helocast operations and the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment.

The competition takes place at Fort Custer Training Center, located at 2501 26th Street in Augusta, Michigan 49012. The event is hosted by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Hosted by the MIARNG April 29–May 3 at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta, the 2026 Army National Guard Regional Best Warrior Competition will determine the region's Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

Media members are invited to attend media day to capture competition events and interview Michigan's top competitors. Those who wish to attend must contact 1st Lt. Paige Bodine at paige.e.bodine2.mil@army.mil no later than 4 p.m. on April 29, 2026.

The Best Warrior Competition is a significant annual event for Michigan National Guard members. This regional competition serves as a qualifier for the national-level competition, where the region's winners will advance to represent Region IV.

Sources:

  • Michigan.gov press release: https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2026/04/28/michigan-national-guard-soldiers-compete-for-national-berth-at-midwest-best-warrior-competition
  • WoodTV: https://www.woodtv.com/news/kalamazoo-county/regional-national-guard-competition-brings-blasts-grit-to-fort-custer/