SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE. Ill. —
A unique Warrior Challenge event took place at Scott Air Force Base, testing elite teams and squadrons on their physical, mental, and readiness skills on May 9.
The event aimed to enhance the wing’s warrior culture by drawing from Scott’s history and applying its readiness skills and fitness requirements to achieve victory against any adversary.
The day was divided into two main components:
- The Warrior Challenge: Involving 13 five-person mixed-gender teams who rucked around the base’s 6.2-mile perimeter with a combined weight of 125 pounds. They were tested at five locations on various readiness skills and scored on time, accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care scenarios
- Stress test shooting exercise
- Runway repair using AM2 matting
- Patient rescue and air evacuation
- Cargo pallet building and loading
- The Squadron Cup: Comprising nine teams of 25 individuals each who completed four skill stations focusing on teamwork, communication, physical fitness, and problem-solving. They were also assessed on speed, accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
- Agile Combat Employment Leadership Reaction Course
- Army Air Corps Radio School Field Exercise
- Rifle Fighting and Combatives
- Marine Combat Fitness Test
Colonel John Poole, the 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, highlighted the historical significance of the challenge, connecting the wing’s past with future readiness requirements.
He reflected on the heritage of the 155th Aero Squadron, the first night-bomber squadron in the Air Corps, and honored their memory through the competition. Teams were presented with black arrowhead patches resembling the 155th AS patch upon completion of the Warrior Challenge.
The winning team from the Wing Staff Agency, along with the top three teams, were recognized with special honors, including engraved knives and a WWI-era propeller replica.
One member of the winning team expressed satisfaction with the event, highlighting the months of physical training and the opportunity to engage in various combat skills.
Colonel Poole extended his gratitude to all involved in organizing the event and expressed excitement for future iterations to continue shaping combat-ready warriors.
Award Winners
Squadron Cup
Overall Winners: 375th Civil Engineer Squadron
Tie for 2nd: 375th Force Support Squadron and 375th Operations Group
Warrior Challenge
Top 3 Teams and their MVPs
1. WSA – Airman 1st Class Faith Akenga
2. AE – Staff Sgt. Dustin Hibler
3. OSS (and fastest overall) – Master Sgt. Levi Rodney
