Calling all Army and Marine Corps engineers: You can now apply to compete in the ninth annual Best Sapper Competition.
The three-day competition at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, is scheduled for April 21-23. The event is open to soldiers and Marines serving in the engineer career field.
The Best Sapper Competition began in 2005 as a way for engineers to demonstrate their skills. This year's event will be the first in three years as the previous two years' competitions were canceled due to budget cuts.
During the competition this year, two-person teams will travel more than 50 miles in 50 hours while competing in a variety of events such as a demolition exam, a ruck march and land navigation.
"The competition will mirror what we as engineers do on a day-to-day basis downrange," said Capt. Vernon White, chief of training for the Sapper Leader Course, in a statement.
Each team of competitors must consist of two participants who are in the rank of E-4 or higher. At least one of the team members must be a graduate of the Sapper Leader Course.
Team members who don't meet the sapper course requirement can submit an application to the regimental command sergeant major for review, Preston said.
Applicants also must provide a letter of preparedness signed by the first lieutenant colonel in their chain of command.
Teams are to report to Fort Leonard Wood April 19.
"We want as many teams as we can get — the more competition the better," Preston said.
For more information or to register, visit the Best Sapper website. You can also visit the Best Sapper Facebook page here.
