Able Seaman De’Joan Sturrup and Marine Seaman Floyd Bethel joined soldiers from across the Rhode Island National Guard to compete in the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Fogarty Training Site, Rhode Island, 20 – 24 April 2026.
The Best Warrior Competition (BWC) is an annual event held by the U.S. Army to identify and honour the most skilled and dedicated service members. Competitors undergo grueling tests over several days, often involving minimal rest to simulate combat stress.
The competition test strength, resilience and tactical skills in several key areas: Physical Fitness, Tactical Tasks, Technical Skills, Endurance and Mental Rigor. For example, 4 days of rigorous testing including a timed 18.6-mile ruck march, survival swims, land navigation, marksmanship with various weapons and evolutions relevant to the operational theatre.
The competitive military centric challenges fosters comradery and esprit de corps, but competing is also a symbol of pride amongst the Enlisted Corps. “Competition is the ultimate highlight of meritocracy, and highlights the professionalism, readiness, and lethality of today’s warfighters.”
For the second consecutive year, Marines from the Commando Squadron proudly represented the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Both, Able Seaman De’Joan Sturrup and Marine Seaman Floyd Bethel successfully completed the timed 18.6-mile ruck march, qualifying and earning the NORWEGIAN RUCK MARCH Badge. Their participation, strengthens interoperability and the partnership between the Rhode Island National Guard and The Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
In addition, Commander Edward Fritz, Commando Squadron Commanding Officer and Force Chief Petty Officer Pedro Rolle, Command Warrant Officer were in attendance to observe the competition as well as attend the RING Annual Military Ball on 25 April at the invitation of Major General Andrew Chevalier, Adjunct General Rhode Island National Guard.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, under the leadership of Commodore Floyd P. Moxey, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we reaffirm our commitment to the enduring relationship with the Rhode Island National Guard which enhances the effectiveness and capabilities of our personnel, assets and operational readiness.
