JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron will send a team to the Air Mobility Command Rodeo, slated for Aug. 9-13, 2015, at McChord Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
The rodeo is a biennial competition featuring the best aerial teams in the world. Challenges include airdrop, air refueling, security forces, aerial port, flight attendants, maintenance and aeromedical evacuation.
"We're sending a team of six or seven people who will be selected through try-outs to compete in a security forces tactics challenge," said Maj. Shannon Oneal, 11th SSPTS commander. "The team will be chosen from those who best perform in a fitness test and sharpshooter challenge we're holding in May for our defenders."
The rodeo, whose name stems from the 1956 Reserve Troop Carrier Rodeo at the now closed Bakalar Air Force Base, Indiana, showcases U.S. and international teams' readiness while focusing on improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core capabilities.
"It is considered a valuable joint and combined training for all participants, while providing a competitive environment as teams set out on their quest for excellence," said Master Sgt. Sylvester Lawrence, 11th Security Forces Support Squadron NCO in-charge of education and training.
Team Andrews Airmen will be challenged to prove their abilities against the best teams around the world. Previous competitions hosted more than 50 international teams, including the Republic of Korea, Germany, Israel and Belgium.
The Rodeo also showcases a Fit-2-Fight fitness competition and Aerial Port Challenge Course, consisting of a four-mile run in battle dress, litter carry, M-16 weapon assembly, gas mask donning and run, dunnage carry, 100-yard truck push, 20-question Airman's Manual test and a memory test.