Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing performs a low-crawl during a 20th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) Combat Challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. March 24, 2017. During the low-crawl portion of the challenge, 20th SFS Airmen used smoke bombs to disorient participants’ senses and increase the difficulty of the course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight answer questions during a chemical warfare memory game at the 20th Security Forces Squadron Combat Challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 24, 2017. The challenge showed Airmen a variety of equipment for five seconds and required them to write down as many items as they could recall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Perkins, 20th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) unit trainer, performs a push-up wearing a weighted uniform during the 20th SFS Combat Challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 24, 2017. The obstacle courses consisted of a 45-pound ruck march, chemical warfare memory games and many other challenges, each focusing on different aspects of a 20th SFS Airman, or defender’s, career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Clayton, 20th Force Support Squadron commander, performs a pull-up during a 20th Security Forces Squadron Combat Challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 24, 2017. Airmen participated in teams through the challenge and were pushed physically and mentally through a series of obstacles, games and team workouts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron prepare to enter a combat training facility called the “shoot house” during a 20th Security Forces Squadron Combat Challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 24, 2017. Shoot house participants entered a simulated hostile environment where they were required to rescue a victim and neutralize threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Nolan, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion technician, dons his protective gear during a 20th Security Forces Squadron Combat Challenge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 24, 2017. Airmen participating in the course arrived to a combat training facility called the “shoot house,” and were required to put on a face protector, neck guard and flak vest before firing rubber rounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

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Airmen endure 20th SFS combat scenarios

Published March 28, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The obstacle courses, monitored by 20th SFS Airmen as part of the 20th SFS Combat Challenge, consisted of a 45-pound ruck march, chemical warfare memory games, sandbag drags, a low-crawl course, Humvee push, and a combat training facility called the “shoot house.”

“These events are intended to give Airmen a look into the life of a defender,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Garner, 20th SFS combat arms NCO in charge. “It allows them to participate in things they aren’t particularly used to in their career fields.”

The courses gave teams consisting of four Airmen the opportunity to build on their comradery, working toward an end goal of the fastest possible time, and earn bragging rights to carry back to their squadrons.

“This competition was a great opportunity to see what my team was capable of,” said Airman 1st Class Devin Hersey, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron trailer maintenance technician. “It gave us the chance to work alongside people we may not be in contact with on a daily basis in a friendly, competitive environment.

“My group started as a team and finished as a team,” said Hersey.

As the Airmen persevered through the course, muscles worn and mentally fatigued, they used their teamwork to close out the event. With their newfound defender-strength these Airmen are increasing their readiness to bring the fight, day or night.