What must a Soldier demonstrate to be eligible for the Soldier of the Year competition?

To be eligible for the Soldier of the Year competition, a Soldier must demonstrate exemplary performance, leadership, and a strong understanding of Army values. This encompasses not just performing well in their daily duties and responsibilities, but also showing an ability to lead others and embody the tenets that define a soldier in the Army. Leadership skills are crucial, as they reflect a Soldier's capability to manage tasks and motivate peers, while knowledge of Army values ensures that they align with the fundamental principles expected of service members, such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

Physical fitness and agility, while important components of a Soldier's overall readiness, are not the sole factors for this recognition; therefore, having a well-rounded set of qualities that includes performance and values is essential for standing out in this competitive selection. Academic achievements may play a role in a Soldier's development but are not the primary focus for the Soldier of the Year competition, just as networking connections, while beneficial in a career context, do not directly influence eligibility for this particular accolade.