434th Security Forces compete at Rodeo Published July 23, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Select members of the 434th Security Forces Squadron are at McChord AFB, Wash., this week to compete in the Air Mobility Command Rodeo. The competition runs till July 27 and brings together U.S. Active-duty, Reserve and Guard units to demonstrate capabilities, improve procedures, compare notes and enhance standardization for worldwide operations. Rodeo also provides valuable joint and combined training for participants including international mobility professionals who compete or send crews to observe events. Grissom's team will compete in three events during the course of the competition - combat tactics; combat weapons; and combat challenge course. Combat tactics The combat tactics competition tests the ability of the three-person security team to conduct a security escort mission. Role players will be encountered throughout the scenario and teams will be required to interact with host nation tribal forces. Each team will be equipped with M-4 rifles equipped with hit detecting equipment, blank ammunition, and other support equipment provided at the event area. Competitors will be given sufficient time to test and sight their gear and communication equipment before the event. Combat weapons Each three-person team will participate in this 'live fire' event. Team members will engage several targets at various distances within a specified time limit. Teams will be equipped with M-9 hand guns and M-4s (or equivalent for international competitors.) This event is designed to test the team's ability to engage multiple targets at various distances while stressed from physical activity and performance tasks. Shooters will be required to change a series of magazines, so they must be proficient in the loading and unloading of the weapons. Combat challenge Each of the three-person team must complete a 2.5 kilometer course, which includes four ground defense skill stations. The team which receives the least amount of penalties in the skills stations combined with the shortest total time for the event wins. Team members may be tested on a variety of knowledge items as they make their way along the course. Teams will start in 15-minute intervals and team members must stay within 30 meters of each other at all times. Teams will also be judged for safety purposes to ensure the properly negotiate the course and skill stations.
