In a groundbreaking event from February 2-5, 2025, members of the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guard traveled over 7,000 miles to participate in the Best Warrior Competition at Qatar’s National Service Academy in Umm Salal Muhammed. This marks the first time the competition has been held outside the United States, incorporating international participants and emphasizing the strengthening relationship between the U.S. and Qatari armed forces.
A New Chapter in Military Collaboration
The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event designed to test the physical and mental endurance of service members through various challenges, including land navigation, marksmanship, ruck marches, and obstacle courses. Traditionally held within the U.S., the decision to move the event to Qatar highlights the evolving military partnership between the two nations under the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program (SPP).
The collaboration between the West Virginia National Guard and Qatar was established in 2018 and has since grown into a key alliance for military training and readiness. Officials see this event as an opportunity to push the limits of their soldiers while also building stronger bonds with Qatari forces.
U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Daryl Plude, a senior enlisted leader within the National Guard Bureau’s strategic plans and policy directorate, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Through the years, we’ve had many state partners come to the U.S. to participate in Best Warrior, but this marks the first time we’ve taken the competition to a partner nation.”
Timmy Davis, the U.S. ambassador to Qatar, also highlighted the significance of the event, noting, “The idea that a Best Warrior Competition had never been held overseas is a testament to the innovation and dedication of the West Virginia National Guard.”
The Competition: A Test of Skill and Endurance
The four-day competition brought together 65 service members from the U.S. and Qatar, testing them in various aspects of military skills and endurance. The events included a grueling 15-kilometer ruck march through the desert, precision marksmanship drills, land navigation exercises conducted under nighttime conditions, and a series of physical fitness challenges. Competitors were also required to complete written exams and participate in a formal board appearance to assess their military knowledge and professionalism.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central, addressed the participants at the opening ceremony, stating, “There is nothing like Soldiers competing with each other — healthy competition driving us to be better. Through this competition, you will become a stronger individual, Soldier, and warrior.”
Among the highlights of the competition were stress shooting drills, which tested a soldier’s ability to fire accurately under extreme physical exhaustion, and obstacle courses that challenged agility, endurance, and problem-solving under pressure. These exercises closely simulate real combat conditions, pushing participants to their absolute limits.
Building Bonds Beyond Borders
Beyond testing the abilities of individual service members, the competition was an opportunity to foster teamwork and mutual respect between the U.S. and Qatari forces. The inclusion of Qatari National Service Academy cadets in the event introduced a new dimension to the competition, allowing both groups to learn from each other’s tactics and training methods.
NSA Cadet Mohammed Al Majed, one of the participants, reflected on the experience, stating, “For the first time, I had the opportunity to prepare for the military and gain experience in map reading, shooting, and fitness, just like any soldier who has passed these skills.”
The event’s success has sparked interest in expanding such collaborative competitions. Sgt. Maj. Plude mentioned the possibility of including other partner nations in future iterations of the Best Warrior Competition, noting, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re hosting this in Peru in the near future, bringing Qataris there to compete. The more we integrate, the stronger our collective defense becomes.”
Recognizing Excellence
As the competition came to a close, the top performers from both nations were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Staff Sgt. Andras Bajusz of the West Virginia Army National Guard was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, while Spc. Dominic Starry earned the title of Soldier of the Year. Additionally, Master Sgt. Matthew Stevens and Airman Todd Perry were honored as the top competitors from the West Virginia Air National Guard.
On the Qatari side, NSA Cadet Hamad Mohammed Almohandi and Warrant Officer Abdulla Ahmed Deria of the Joint Special Forces were acknowledged for their exceptional performances throughout the competition. Their success demonstrated the effectiveness of the rigorous training and collaboration between the two countries.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 Best Warrior Competition in Qatar has set a new precedent for future military collaborations. By training and competing together, U.S. and Qatari forces have not only improved their individual skill sets but have also reinforced the foundation for stronger, more integrated joint operations.
As the State Partnership Program continues to grow, military leaders anticipate more events like this, further strengthening international defense networks. These collaborations not only enhance combat readiness but also build lasting professional relationships that can prove invaluable in times of global crises.
In the words of Sgt. Maj. Plude, “Today, we’re competitors. Tomorrow, we may be standing side by side in defense of our nations. That’s the true strength of the State Partnership Program.”
The Best Warrior Competition in Qatar was more than just a contest—it was a step toward a more unified and resilient force, prepared to tackle challenges together, no matter where they arise.
Qatar’s Growing Investments in Asia: Economics vs. Geopolitics
