THE BEDROCK OF READINESS: 2026 MECHANIC OF THE YEAR

CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah - Mechanics from across the United States competed head-to-head in the Regional Mechanic of the Year Competition held at Camp Williams, Utah September 15 -16, 2026. Soldiers from Utah, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, Kansas, Oregon, Ohio, Oklahoma, Nevada, Michigan, Minnesota and Guam, tested their limits troubleshooting vehicles and making precision repairs under time constraints and simulated operational stressors in the annual competition. Racing against the clock, Soldiers fill the motor pool with the sound of engines running and keys clicking as they move between inspections and repairs, checking components, troubleshooting problems and following technical manuals to find the issues hidden throughout each vehicle. Every mistake can cost points, and every second matters as competitors work to identify faults, patch metal through welding, make needed repairs and avoid penalties before time runs out. “You had eight hours total to get your entire job done. And it sounds like a lot of time until you're 20 minutes away and you have one of the 11 faults left to troubleshoot” said Staff Sgt. Collin Horn, a light wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 115th Maintenance Company, Utah Army National Guard. “So time was definitely a challenge, but we were able to get everything done in time, which I think helped us out a lot.” This year, the competition added another challenge: teamwork. Competitors worked in teams of two to diagnose and repair their assigned military vehicles. Teams earned points by conducting technical inspections, following safety procedures, identifying and repairing faults, finding the correct parts and accurately completing hands-on maintenance tasks. “This year, they're working in a team aspect, everybody has vehicles laid out with the exact same faults and the exact same orientation, so they don't have to rotate,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy J. Waite, a platoon sergeant with the Utah Army National Guard’s 97th Aviation Troop Command. “They can just sit there and focus on one vehicle the entire time without interruptions.” Competitors worked in two-person teams to diagnose and repair their assigned military vehicles, with every step critical to their overall score. Each team earned points by conducting technical inspections, following safety procedures, identifying and repairing faults, finding the correct parts and accurately completing hands-on maintenance tasks. Accuracy and safety are just as important as completing the repairs quickly. The competition goes beyond determining who can find and repair faults the fastest. It highlights essential skills mechanics rely on to keep Army equipment ready for any mission. Beyond the competition floor, the event also featured an Maintenance Symposium designed to expand Soldiers’ knowledge and connect them with the broader maintenance community. While the event tested Soldiers’ technical skills, the Maintenance Symposium provided opportunities for professional development. More than 400 Soldiers from over 20 states were in attendance. Soldiers learned about maintenance practices, new equipment and emerging technologies while connecting with professionals from across the maintenance community. Vendors and industry professionals shared their knowledge, demonstrated equipment and provided Soldiers with practical information and connections they can take back to their units and apply beyond the competition. “I think the biggest benefit is networking. We’re a big Army, but we’re also a small Army,” said Sgt. Noah Gottlieb, a light wheeled vehicle mechanic with the Forward Support Company, 1457th En. Bn., Utah Army National Guard, “Being able to network, get names and talk to people is a big thing.” After two days, the event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the teams for their accomplishments. Staff Sgt. Brian Martin and Sgt. 1st Class Theodore Thorpe, competitors from Oregon, took first place in the Regional Mechanic of the Year Competition. Though their work often happens behind the scenes, maintainers play a critical role in keeping equipment ready, missions moving and Soldiers prepared to accomplish their mission. “You are not behind the frontline. You make the frontline possible,” said Col. Budd J. Vogrinec, director of logistics of the Utah Army National Guard. He explained that even the best tactical plan does not matter if the equipment is not operational; Soldiers cannot maneuver broken equipment. Their work ensures Soldiers and their equipment remain ready to respond whenever and wherever they are needed.

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