U.S. Army Tank Crew Wins International Competition for First Time
18 February 2025
Grafenwoehr, Germany – A U.S. Army tank crew from the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, has won the International Tank Biathlon competition for the first time.
The crew, consisting of Commander Sgt. 1st Class William “Bill” Carter, Gunner Sgt. Matthew “Matt” Baker, Loader Pfc. Joshua “Josh” Mendez, and Driver Pfc. Michael “Mike” Johnson, bested 20 other teams from 17 countries in the grueling competition, which tests tank crews’ skills in a variety of scenarios, including obstacle courses, gunnery trials, and tactical maneuvers.
The U.S. team’s victory marks the first time an American crew has won the competition since it was first held in 2013. The team’s performance was praised by U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commanding General Gen. Christopher Cavoli.
“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of this crew and the entire 1-66 Armor Regiment,” Cavoli said. “Their performance is a reflection of the professionalism and readiness of the U.S. Army.”
The tank biathlon is a multinational competition that brings together tank crews from around the world to compete in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and teamwork. The competition is held annually at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany.
This year’s competition was particularly challenging, with teams facing a variety of obstacles, including mud, rain, and snow. The U.S. team was able to overcome these challenges and emerge victorious.
In addition to winning the overall competition, the U.S. team also won the individual gunnery competition. Sgt. Baker was awarded the “Best Gunner” award after scoring the highest score in the gunnery trials.
The U.S. Army’s victory in the tank biathlon is a significant achievement and a testament to the skill and dedication of its tank crews. The team’s performance is a reflection of the U.S. Army’s commitment to readiness and its ability to compete and win against the best in the world.
U.S. Army Tank Crew Wins International Competition for First Time
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