GRAFENWOEHR, Germany --- U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Tidwell (with patrol cap), 72nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, inspects troops for uniform deficiencies during United States Army Europe's Best Junior Officer Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 26, 2012. The Best Junior Officer Competition, unique to the U.S. Army in Europe, is a training event meant to challenge and refine competitors' leadership and cognitive decision-making skills in a high-intensity environment. The competition runs from July 23-27, 2012. The competitors, company-grade officers ranking from 2nd Lt. to Capt., represent Army units throughout Europe and have already distinguished themselves amongst their peers and exemplify the profession of arms. The competition brings these up-and-coming young leaders together for five days of physically and mentally challenging training, all for the chance to be named U.S. Army Europe's "Best Junior Officer" for 2012. Challenges include pistol and rifle qualifications, multiple foot marches, and various situational training exercises to test their intellect and instincts as leaders. The knowledge, skill-sets and leadership traits honed at this competition will help prepare the young leaders involved to excel when the time comes to lead Soldiers in a deployed environment. For more information or to see photos and video from the competition go to the U.S. Army Europe Web site www.eur.army.mil/BestOfficer.