Holding the competition in Hawaii was prevented this year by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, RHC-P used a virtual format, where competitors completed Best Medic tasks individually, supervised by one or two other Soldiers to allow for social distancing and preventive medicine measures.

Each of the nine competitors faced the same tasks: the Army Combat Fitness Test, a written test and essay, weapons qualification, and a 12-mile road march in full field gear, with weapon.

“It feels great to have represented MEDDAC-Japan at this level,” Akers said. “I have been training for various events for months now, but I started working on training for the Best Medic events in mid-October.”

Akers, 23, a Surprise, Arizona, native who’s been in the Army five years, said he had the easiest time with the ACFT, since it’s “been a pet project of mine for months now,” but the road march was the hardest.

“Twelve miles is never fun for anyone, but I know it’s the benchmark of a fit Soldier,” Akers said. “I'm looking forward to representing my unit at the Army level.”

Akers, who said, “This is the first time I have competed in any Army competition,” attributed his success to working on his physical readiness.

“I take my fitness very seriously,” he said, “and I have made maxing the ACFT a personal goal of mine.”

Akers and Baxter were both awarded the Army Commendation Medal and will represent RHC-P at the Command Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark, Jr., Army Best Medic Competition in January at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

To read more follow this link: https://www.army.mil/article/241247/joint_pacific_best_medics_picked