Virginia National Guard Soldiers, as well as soldiers from the Republic of Tajikistan, conduct a 10-mile ruck march, a three-gun event and land navigation during the first full day of the 2023 Virginia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition March 17, 2023, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The four-day event also includes a swim event, Army Warrior Tasks, a written exam, a physical fitness challenge and an appearance board. The VNG noncommissioned officer and Soldier who finish first will represent the Virginia National Guard at the regional-level competition later in 2023. Soldiers from the Republic of Tajikistan are participating in the BWC in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been partners since 2003. Read more about SPP at https://ngpa.us/24494.