Spc. Thomas Bailey of Atmore, back row, second from right, was named Soldier of the Year by the Alabama Natioinal Guard. Bailey earned the title at Fort McClellan, March 28, 2013.

The week-long competition kicked off Monday, and pitted soldiers against a wide variety of tests to assess their overall soldiering skills, including an essay, land navigation, physical fitness, weapons expertise and a six-mile road march.

Also pictured are, State Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie Pike, back row, center, Sgt. Robert Sitze, back row, far right, of Enterprise, Ala., Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.