The V.I. National Guard announced Monday that Sgt. Angel Carrion and Spc. Kareem Petersen won the 2012 military competitions held Jan. 21 and 22 on St. Croix. Carrion was named the “NCO of the Year” and Petersen was named as the “Soldier of the Year” after competing in a series of physical and mental tests.

The competition consisted of a physical fitness test, a six-mile ruck march, land navigation, and map reading. Competing guardsmen were also tested in proficiency of Army warrior tasks such as first aid, visual signaling and M-16 rifle function checks.

A panel of command sergeants major quizzed the guardsmen on Army knowledge, military leadership, counseling, the NCO Creed, and military justice.

Carrion and Petersen will represent the V.I. National Guard at the regional competition in Mississippi in April. Both soldiers are currently serving in the Joint Forces Headquarters unit on St. Croix.