CES Civil War

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Connor J. Marth
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  



Team Martinez (left) and Team Gibson compete in a tug-of-war battle for a tie-breaking shot at first place in the 3rd annual CE Readiness Challenge Oct. 15, 2015 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Each team won points based on performance on completion of 10 challenges set-up across the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Connor J. Marth)The 366th Civil Engineer Squadron hosted their 3rd annual CES Readiness Challenge on Oct. 15.

10 teams comprised of Airmen and civilians from shops throughout CE got a look at the different careers within their squadron.

The challenge tested wits and technical skills of participants in areas they rarely or have never worked in before.

"[The Fire Department] doesn't normally go out and work on electrical wiring, HVAC doesn't go and defuse bombs, The emergency management guys wouldn't go out and actually put up a building but this is their chance to do those things," said 1st Lt. David Gillette, 366th CE Readiness and Emergency Management flight commander. "It allows us to see how other shops complete their tasks so we can better understand what we do as the Civil Engineer Squadron."

Grades were given for the completion of each of the 10 different challenges set up across the base. At the end, scores were compiled and one group took home the win. However, it wasn't as simple as getting the highest score.

(From the left) Senior Airman Dennis Clark, Staff Sgt. Tyler Ford, Airman 1st Class Joshuajun Manuel, Senior Airman Blake Dillon, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Gibson and Staff Sgt. Derek Hansen pose for a photo after being declared the 3rd annual CE Readiness Challenge Champions Oct. 15, 2015 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The airmen are assigned to various sections in the squadron and came together for a look at how each other's jobs are done. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Connor J. Marth) Two teams tied resulting in a tug-of-war battle for the crown. After a series of grunts and rope burns, Team Gibson claimed the prize and plastered their name on the winner's plaque for all to see.

"I feel lucky, having been able to compete with my team. Every one of them put forth tremendous effort throughout the entire day and their humility upon winning first place was very admirable," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Gibson, 366th CES electrical systems supervisor. "Those guys deserved first place."

It's about more than bragging rights though.

"Taking a day to get outside and compete against each other is a great way to improve empathy and understanding of sister career fields within Civil Engineering," said Gillette. "It's always a lot of fun and a big morale booster."