434th SFS readies for rodeo roundup Published May 3, 2007 By SrA Mark Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- The word rodeo may conger up ideas of tough-as-nails cowboys being tossed around by wild bulls and raging stallions, but the word has a whole other meaning for Grissom's personnel. A group of six determined Airmen from the 434th Security Forces Squadron will compete in the military version of the western tradition during this year's Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo. Instead of cows and cowboys, this rodeo will feature the feats of 45 U.S. Air Force Teams, three U.S. Marine Corps teams, a U.S. Coast Guard team, along with 12 international teams all trained in the various aspects and specialties of airlift operations. This year's rodeo takes place July 22-28 at McCord Air Force Base, Wash., Each team will battle it out against other units in their specific career field in a heated competition to see who is the best at what they do, said 1st Lt. Paul Hayes, 434th SFS officer and Grissom's team leader. "It's like an Olympics for the Air Forces," explained Lieutenant Hayes. "There will be over 55 aircraft involved from all over the world." The 434th SFS will be the only unit from Grissom to participate in the international event, showcasing their talents, teamwork and skill in three different events, said Tech. Sgt. David Douglass, 434th SFS fireteam member. Grissom's team consists of six members, three of whom will be chosen to compete in the competition. Those three will be challenged in the areas of combat weapons, endurance and combat tactics, said Lieutenant Hayes. "It's a well-rounded event," he said. "You can't just have the most physically fit; you have to have people that are well-rounded to meet the competitions needs." The combat weapons test will have competitors display their shooting skills in a combat environment as they work their way through a series of stationary and popup targets, Sergeant Douglas said. During the rapid test of accuracy and judgment the team will use a variety of weapons including the M-9 semi-automatic pistol, the M-4 assault riffle and the M-870 shotgun. "It's a lot more than just a qualifying shoot; if they wanted that they'd just have us send in our 522s," he said, referring to the Air Force Form 522, which logs troops weapon qualification scores. For the combat tactics portion, the team will be placed in an environment that will force them to use all of their skills, knowledge training and intuition, said Lieutenant Hayes. "We will be given and aircraft to protect in an austere location," he explained . "Our biggest challenge will be to continue the mission down to the last man; if a player is removed it will be up to the next in line to step up and take his place." Harkening back to his comment about having a well-rounded team, the lieutenant stated that having Sergeant Douglass on their side will be a huge advantage because he is a Raven. Ravens are AMC unique security force members who are specially trained in aircraft protection. When it comes to the endurance test, the Grissom team is not sure what to expect due to a suspension on all obstacle courses by the Air Force. "The obstacle course is under suspense for revisions in policy due to safety concerns," said Sergeant Douglass, who added that no matter what the test is, the Grissom team will be ready to meet the challenge. Preparing for every possibility is no easy task, said Lieutenant Hayes. Teams are not allowed to practice until May to allow for equal training time amongst the teams. The Grissom team will focus on the basic skills as well as build strong unit cohesion that will enable them to overcome any obstacle, he added. "By the time we finish training, everyone in our group will be on the same page," said Sergeant Douglass. "Nothing will be impossible." Following in the attitude of the sergeant, Lieutenant Hayes stated that he and his entire team are extremely excited, not only to compete but to showcase Grissom's best. "This is a great opportunity," said Sergeant Douglass. "This event develops great morale and it's a great opportunity to learn from each other." Lieutenant Hayes agreed. "You are experiencing new cultures and making new friends that span the globe," he said. "You learn other ways to do things, and you always bring something new back."
