A University of Montana forestry student is the Army National Guard's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year after proving his physical fitness, knowledge and skills in combat at a competition Aug. 1-2 in Fort Benning, Ga.

Sgt. Ryan Brubaker of Plains, who has been deployed twice to Iraq, came out on top of a field of about 14 Army National Guard competitors from around the country.

Noncommissioned officers are leaders who train soldiers, preparing them for battle. They make sure the soldiers are physically fit and capable of doing their job, said Brubaker, 26.

"Being the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the National Guard is a huge, huge accomplishment for me," he said. "I'm extremely proud to be given this honor. It's a true privilege."

Brubaker is the second Montana Army Guard soldier in a row to be named NCO of the Year in this competition.

As part of the test, Brubaker did a functions check for an M-16A2 rifle and treated a casualty, among other combat tests. He also proved his physical fitness through pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and a five-mile run.

A combat water survival test was also part of the trial. The competitors, dressed in full uniform, were blindfolded and had to swim with a weapon, according to a news release from the Montana National Guard.

The range of events, or "warrior tasks," was part of an effort to challenge the competitors' physical and mental strength.

"It was definitely a challenge to keep your focus, and fortitude was definitely something that helped push me through some of the hard times," Brubaker said.

He dedicated many hours to preparing for the competition, studying and training physically. He didn't have to do it alone, though.

Brubaker had a sponsor who provided guidance and motivation and tested his military knowledge.

Brubaker is also grateful for the support he received from his wife, Heidi. They have two children.

"I had a lot of support," he said. "I've got to give a lot of credit to them."

Brubaker is also a full-time student at the University of Montana. He has an associate degree in computer technology, and is now majoring in forestry.

Before winning the national NCO competition earlier this month, Brubaker was named NCO of the Year in his battalion, which is based out of Missoula, and at the state and regional levels.

This fall, he has a chance to become the Department of the Army's NCO of the Year when he competes against other Army National Guard soldiers from around the world. That competition will be in Fort Lee, Va., from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2.