Fort Bragg Soldiers Represent Army Excellence at 250th Birthday Fitness Challenge on National Mall

Washington, D.C. — On June 14, 2025, soldiers from Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division stood in the national spotlight as they competed in the U.S. Army Birthday Fitness Competition, held on the National Mall as part of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration. The event was among a full day of commemorative activities in the nation’s capital, reflecting the Army’s legacy of service, resilience, and strength spanning two and a half centuries.

The 82nd Airborne Division’s Best Squad Competition winners, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, traveled from Fort Bragg to represent the installation and compete alongside other elite units from across the country. The competition was both rigorous and symbolic, featuring physically demanding challenges designed to test team coordination, physical endurance, and mental resilience. Events included sandbag lifts, tire flips, weighted sprints, rope climbs, and synchronized team movements—conducted in front of a live audience on the iconic Mall grounds.

For the winning squad from Fort Bragg, it was a moment of pride and a demonstration of the airborne division’s continued emphasis on readiness and teamwork. As part of the Army’s broader push to highlight physical fitness and operational excellence, the fitness competition offered an opportunity for the public to witness firsthand the level of discipline and strength that Army service members uphold daily.

The fitness competition was one of several cornerstone events commemorating the Army’s founding on June 14, 1775. The day began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country. On the National Mall, Army installations from across the country hosted interactive exhibits, static displays of military equipment, virtual reality experiences, STEM activities for students, and historical walk-throughs of Army history—from the Revolutionary War to present day missions.

Throughout the Mall, soldiers engaged with visitors to share the Army story, answer questions, and provide insights into modern military life. Families, veterans, and tourists gathered around hands-on displays, military working dog demonstrations, and educational booths. Food vendors, commemorative merchandise stands, and live music provided a celebratory backdrop.

The day culminated with a major military parade through the capital featuring more than 6,000 service members, over 150 ground vehicles, and 50 aircraft. Among the marching units were ceremonial troops, historical reenactment groups in vintage uniforms, and specialized units from Fort Bragg. The air component included helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft that performed flyovers and showcased the evolution of U.S. Army aviation.

While the event drew national media attention and sparked various political reactions, the core focus remained on honoring the Army’s legacy and the individuals who serve. Fort Bragg’s role throughout the celebration—particularly in the high-profile fitness challenge—reflected its continued prominence in the Army’s operational and cultural identity. Known as the home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces, Fort Bragg was one of several key installations tasked with sending teams, equipment, and staff to support the large-scale effort in Washington.

Notably, the fitness competition also included representation from other installations and commands, each with their own selected Best Squad winners. The event did not announce a single overall national champion at the time of reporting, but the Fort Bragg squad’s performance was widely recognized by spectators and fellow service members for its energy, speed, and cohesion.

As the Army looks toward the future—while honoring 250 years of service—the participation of soldiers from Fort Bragg in the birthday celebration illustrates a bridge between tradition and transformation. Their efforts on the fitness field served not only as a demonstration of combat readiness but as a symbol of commitment to the values that continue to shape the nation’s oldest military branch.

— Kres Thomas, FayToday News

Photo by Sgt. Ashleigh Maxwell