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Commanders Combat Challenge

Members of the 92nd Force Support Squadron pull a fire truck across a finish line during the commanders challenge at Miller Park here May 15. The fire truck pull was one of four events in the Commander’s Combat Challenge. The 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron was victorious in the fire truck challenge. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Melissa L. Carlino)

Commanders Combat Challenge

Staff Sgt. Ernesto Cabrera, 92nd Force Support Squadron fitness supervisor, explains the rules of the HUMBVEE push during the Commander’s Combat Challenge at Miller Park here May 15. Participants pushed the HUMVEE 100 yards, weaving through construction cones throughout the course. The 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron were the overall, undefeated challengers, of the day. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Melissa L. Carlino)

Airmen compete in Commanders Combat Challenge

Published June 8, 2009
By Senior Airman Emerald Ralston
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash -- Many members of Team Fairchild gathered at Miller Park here May 15 for some friendly competition in the Commanders Challenge.

The competition included a 1.5 mile run, fire truck pull, tug-of-war, HUMVEE push and obstacle course.
The event is an ongoing, ever-changing one, with the organizers always looking for new ideas on how to improve the challenges.

"We've put this on for the past couple of years because it gives squadrons an alternative to have some fun," said John Gahagan, 92nd Force Support Squadron. "It offers some different types of physical challenges, and people typically enjoy the combat challenge, or obstacle course."

The obstacle course consisted of challengers running through a set of tires, low crawling beneath wire, dragging a dummy and flipping a tire. Each team was made up of five members and formed a relay back and forth through the obstacle course.

Tensions ran high as the obstacle course continued, with onlookers cheering on their teams and heckling others. Unfortunately, no points were given for style when one member face-planted into the tire he was supposed to be flipping. In other events, the camaraderie was strong as team members discussed strategies and techniques to employ when it was their turn for the challenges.

Some of the events had practical advantages, such as building skills to use if your HUMVEE does break down and needs to be pushed, and low crawling, speed and teamwork were all functional elements to the competition.

The event culminated in trophy presentations and opened up to suggestions for the next competition. The crowd agreed this year's event was better than last and the FSS and Health and Wellness Center will implement the suggestions to make the next even better.

Winners are as follows:
Fire truck pull: 2nd - 92nd Communications Squadron, 1st - 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron
Tug-of-war: 92nd CES
HUMVEE push: 2nd - 92nd Force Support Squadron, 1st - 92nd CES
Combat Fitness Challenge (obstacle course): 2nd - 92nd Medial Group, 1st - 92nd CES
Overall: 3rd - 92nd MDG, 2nd - 92nd CS, 1st - 92nd CES