2026 Europe Best Medic Competition Winners Announced

LANDSTUHL, Germany - Medical Readiness Command, Europe is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Europe Best Medic Competition held Aug. 28 - 30 at Breitenwald Range, Rhine Ordnance Barracks and Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The winners were announced during a ceremony Aug. 31 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Heaton Auditorium.

A total of six teams representing Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Public Health Command Europe, Medical Department Activity Bavaria, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and the Polish Army 1st Field Hospital took part in the competition. Each team consisted of two Soldiers.

"The Soldiers who took part in this grueling competition are the backbone of the Army," said Command Sgt. Maj. Kalani Kalili, Command Sergeant Major for Medical Readiness Command, Europe. "They sustain the fighting force by saving lives, maintaining readiness, and providing critical medical support wherever the Army goes. And they are the ones who provide comfort, care and compassion to the wounded, ill and injured."

Taking 1st Place, and best overall, was Team Charlie representing Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Team Charlie consisted of Capt. David Winter and Staff Sgt. Andrew Robles.

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa winners were Team Delta representing 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The team consisted of 1st Lt. Aden Rothmeyer and Spc. William Shapley.

During his remarks to the attendees, U.S. Army Col. Jeremy Johnson, Chief of Staff for Medical Readiness Command, Europe said, "We are here today to recognize the dedication and grit of the finest medical teams in the European theater. To the six teams representing the very best from across Europe, you have just completed a grueling, uncompromising test of your abilities. You have proven you belong in this elite arena."

According to those involved in planning the rigorous 3-day competition, it pushed the competitors to their limits, testing their physical and mental stamina as well as their tactical medical expertise and Soldiers' skills.

"This competition proved that when everything is on the line, you have the composure to think and act decisively," added Johnson.

The demanding competition forced the competitors to demonstrate their expertise and skill in a variety of tasks to include combat water survival skills, the expert physical fitness assessment, an extended foot march, weapons qualification and stress shoots with the M4A1 carbine, tactical combat casualty care, prolonged casualty care, rough terrain rescue, a written test, detainee operations and land navigation.

"The outstanding performance of these six teams, the past couple of days, has set a new benchmark for medical readiness across Europe," said Johnson. "You are the standard-bearers for your units. Be proud of what you have accomplished here. Return to your formations and lead from the front. I know you will keep our Army rolling along."

The winners of this competition will go on to represent Medical Readiness Command, Europe in the U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark, Jr. Best Medic Competition to be held February 2027. This is the culminating event for Best Medic Competitions across the Army to include the Army National Guard, Army Reserves, Medical Readiness Commands (MRC), Medical Brigades, all Active Army Divisions, Separate Brigades and Special Forces.