Staff Sgt. Alvarez and Spc. Frederick from Martin Army Community Hospital won the Medical Readiness Command-East Best Medic Competition, claiming the title during the multi-day event held at Fort Campbell, Ky.

The MACH Soldiers outpaced teams from across the region in a demanding challenge that tested medical expertise, physical endurance, and battlefield decision-making, proving Fort Benning produces some of the Army’s most capable medical warriors.

The Best Medic Competition, first held in 1991, honors the legacy of Command Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark Jr., a combat medic who set the standard for excellence. Today, the contest brings together the Army’s top medical Soldiers and places them in combat-like environments. Events included land navigation, weapons marksmanship, tactical combat casualty care under fire, and field training exercises. Competitors carried heavy loads, treated simulated casualties, and pressed on through sleepless nights—every task measured not only medical skill, but also stamina and grit.

Preparation began months before the competition. Alvarez and Frederick balanced their hospital duties with extra hours of ruck marching, medical drills, and weapons qualification.

“Every day of training was about pushing past the point where most people stop,” Alvarez said. “We wanted to prove to ourselves and to our hospital that we could compete at the highest level.”

Frederick added the effort was about more than a title. “This wasn’t just about winning,” he said. “It was about representing Martin Army Community Hospital and showing that our medics are ready to save lives anywhere, anytime.”

Alvarez credited networking and teamwork for their preparation. “In getting ready for the competition, Frederick and I used the relationships we’ve built at Fort Benning during other training events,” he said. “That gave us access to weapons training, communications equipment, land navigation practice, and trauma lanes through Martin Army’s Titan First Responder course.”

The Soldiers faced one of their toughest challenges during Night Land Navigation. “Not only did the point markers lack reflective markings, but there was virtually zero illumination from the moon that night,” Alvarez noted. “At times, I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. We plotted our points, tracked pace counts, planned, and pushed forward with only red lens flashlights. With some skill and maybe a little luck, we found all four points.”

Even under pressure, Alvarez stated he found confidence in certain events. “The M17 qualification, stress shoot, and TCCC lanes all fell into my wheelhouse,” he said. “I’m passionate about firearms and weapons training, so the M17 qualification and stress shoot were a breeze. The TCCC lane allowed me to lean on my training as a medic and my knowledge as a 68W sustainment instructor. I genuinely enjoyed it—it was stress-free because I love what I do.”

When asked about balancing strengths with his partner, Alvarez emphasized there was little need. “I wouldn’t say Spc. Frederick has any weaknesses,” he said. “We both went in with the same mindset—to have fun and win while doing it. Our positive attitude made us the strongest team out there and carried us all the way to the finish line.”

For Alvarez, the timing of their victory carried special meaning. “Winning during this historic year for Army Medicine is truly something special,” he stated, noting the 250th birthdays of the Army and Army Medicine and the 60th anniversary of the Expert Field Medical Badge. “I was ecstatic to represent Martin Army Community Hospital at such a meaningful time for our branch. Spc. Frederick and I went out mission-focused, executed to the best of our ability, and had fun while doing it.”

This was Alvarez’s first competition. “Competing in a setting like this is an opportunity to showcase your skills and a gut check to see if you have the grit to push through difficulty and pain,” he added.

Their victory underscores Martin Army Community Hospital’s ability to train Soldiers who excel both in patient care and combat readiness.

“This win highlights the caliber of medics serving at MACH,” remarked Col. Jordan Inman, hospital commander. “Staff Sgt. Alvarez and Spc. Frederick proved they can perform under the toughest conditions and still deliver outstanding results. Their commitment to excellence in their craft reflects the culture of excellence in readiness and healthcare delivery we strive for at Martin Army.”

Alvarez and Frederick’s achievement places them among the Army’s elite medics and stands as a source of pride for the Fort Benning community.