US Army Best Squad Competition 2026

A five-soldier squad from the 75th Ranger Regiment won the Best Squad title at the 2026 Army Best Squad Competition, announced on 12 October. The squad also achieved individual honors, with Corporal named Soldier of the Year and Staff Sergeant Colin Doyle as NCO of the Year.

Two soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment were honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on 12 October 2026. Cpl. Michael Shield was named Soldier of the Year, and Staff Sgt. Colin Doyle received the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award.

Cpl. Michael Shield of the 75th Ranger Regiment was awarded the 2026 Soldier of the Year by the US Army on 12 October 2026, during a ceremony in Washington. His performance in the Army Best Squad Competition distinguished him among hundreds of soldiers.