Sgt. Carter Cooper, representing Region II and the Virginia National Guard, traverses a rope bridge during the National Guard’s 2024 National Best Warrior Competition Aug. 4, 2024, at the Ethan Allen Firing Range near Jericho, Vermont. Cadre from the Army Mountain Warfare School supported the event, which included tackling a rope bridge, ascending a cliff face with a Prusik knot and rappelling. In total, 14 Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from 13 states are competing to be named the National Guard’s top Soldier and NCO. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Terra C. Gatti)