Five New York Army National Guard soldiers traveled to Potschefstroom Military Base, South Africa to participate in the South African National Military Skills Competition, November 8-13, 2010.

The Soldiers, all members of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry headquartered in Gloversville, New York, represented the United States at the annual South African event, known as "Milcomp." They placed fifth out of 22 teams.

The event combined athletic ability with basic military skills over a three-day period.

"The great thing about it was we were able to do a military exchange program with the South African Army and see how the South Africans operate and see similarities between soldiers," said Sergeant 1st Class Troy Mechanick, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the team.

Accompanying Mechanick were Sergeant 1st Class Miguel Orabona, Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Dorvee, Sergeant David Hansen and Private 1st Class Michael Ellsworth.