San Andreas, CA…Each year the California National Guard holds its Best Warrior Competition to name the top Soldier and noncommissioned officer to represent the state at a regional competition in November. Events included a written exam, obstacle course challenge, drill and ceremony, 200 meters water survival test, in-ranks inspection and land navigation. Competitors were also required to pace themselves in an unknown distance run and later qualified with pistols and rifles.

This year, a mystery event was added—where each competitor shoot targets live target and then had to drag a 180-pound training prop uphill. To earn a spot, contestants competed in qualifying competitions earlier in the year to earn a place to compete against the California Army National Guard’s top one percent of enlistees and noncommissioned.

In November 2021, Calaveras County Deputy Kyle Johnson was one of seven to make it to the State level finals. Over a grueling four-day period, he was tested and competed in every area that the Army expects of a Soldier. A few of the 12 events were: 13.5-mile Ruck March, Water Survival, Stress Shoot amongst multiple shooting events, Unknown distance run, Day and Night Land Navigation, sleep deprivation, Close Quarters Combat, and weaponless defense where the competitors had to disarm a combative wielding a simulated weapon.

Deputy Johnson competed against the best Non-Commissioned Officers each Brigade had to offer, ultimately earning second place in the 2022 Best Warrior Competition for the State of California. We at the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office are incredibly proud of his accomplishment. We support and are grateful to have the opportunity to employ dedicated members of our armed services.

In addition to Deputy Johnson, we have several other deputies who have served or are still serving in the armed forces.