On Friday, December 8, 2023, the CMP hosted the Alabama Army National Guard Best Warrior Mystery Event at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Talladega, Alabama. This was the final event in the weeklong competition.
A total of 14 competitors had the opportunity to fire the M1 Garand rifle in this mystery event. Each competitor received basic instruction and a safety briefing. The competition consisted of the CMP Garand Match course of fire: 35 rounds at 200 yards on electronic targets. Only one of the 14 competitors had previously fired an M1. All rifles and ammunition were provided for the competition.
Alabama Army National Guard leadership present included the Adjutant General of Alabama, Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, and Command Sgt. Maj. Elmore. Additionally, the Alabama Partnership for Peace counterpart country, Romania, was at the event. Representing Romania were the Romanian Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Defense for Romania, Command Sgt. Maj. Flores (SAS) and the Romanian Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Romanian Land Forces Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Gheorge.
At the conclusion of the Garand Match course of fire, the Alabama Army National Guard Best Warrior awards ceremony was held on the Talladega Marksmanship Park clubhouse patio stage. Each competitor was given challenge coins and their overall ranking awards for the week.
Learn more about the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park and the Alabama Army National Guard.