Malmstrom's defenders put to the test

by Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

6/25/2014 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Security forces personnel from Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard had the opportunity to put their skills to the test during the 3rd Annual Aces Cop Combat Challenge held on base June 20. During the challenge, teams of four members had to work together to conquer 23 stations designed to push their teamwork, decision making skills, endurance and strength to the limit.

"Going into the Aces Cop Combat Challenge I was really anxious about some of the physical aspects of the event," said 1st Lt. Christopher Foti, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight commander. "I was especially anxious about the team pain station where you have to do ranger push-ups and a tire flip as many times as possible within a 15 minute time-frame.

"Our team did really well," he continued. "We motivated each other every step of the way. Teamwork is a huge part of this competition. If you try to do something like this by yourself, you will fail every time. You have to communicate and push one another to succeed."

Throughout the competition, participants were required to do high intensity physical and endurance tasks such as perform a four man push-up in a mud pit, followed by flipping a large tire as many times as possible. At other stations contestants had to crawl on their hands and knees to find an empty ammo crate while wearing duck-taped gas masks that provided zero visibility.

At one station contestants had to push an up-armored Humvee, which weighed approximately 14,000 pounds, more than 15 yards to earn as many points as possible. And even still, some challenges required tack sharp mental skills where teammates had to combine their efforts and defeat mental games, such as putting together four different firearms from a box of mixed parts.

"When I was asked to be a part of the team I competed with, I was thinking this was going to be a great thing to experience," said Airman 1st Class Keith Retuyan, 341st MSFS Tactical Response Force assaulter. "The competition did not let me down. I was tested in everything, my willpower, my stamina, absolutely everything. This competition was tough.

"You don't want to quit on your team and that's pretty much what this whole challenge is about," he added. "The biggest part is not quitting. Coming into this, I was slightly nervous but after we completed the first challenge we were ready. You have to be strong and not give up. That's what this is all about."

The Montana Air National Guard team took the win in the competition with the most points of any team to compete in all 23 events. For the prize of top squadron, Malmstrom's TRF members took first place.