Aces Cop Challenge

Members of Team 43 pace themselves at the tire-pull station at the Warrior Launch Facility May 11. From left are Airman 1st Class Kevin Kamakahi, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron; 2nd Lt. Michael Voto, 341st MSFS flights commander; Senior Airman Aaron Foster, 341st MSFS member; and Senior Airman Brandon Lococo, 341st MSFS member. Team 32 completed eight repetitions at the tire-pull station in 15 minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen)

Aces Cop Challenge

Members of Team 35 push themselves to their limit at the team pain station. Clockwise from left are, Airman 1st Class Alex Callahan, 741st MSFS security escort team member; Airman 1st Class Kyle Klusacek, 741st MSFS member; Airman 1st Class James St. John, 741st MSFS security escort team member; and Senior Airman Michael Gessner, 741st MSFS security escort team leader. Their team received the Team Pain Award for successfully completing the highest score with 85 push-ups and 68 tire flips. (U.S. Air Force photo/Beau Wade)

Security Forces hone their skills

Published May 18, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- To kick off the celebration of National Police Week, May 13 to 19, more than 80 341st Security Forces Group defenders participated in the first-of-its-kind challenge at Malmstrom Air Force Base, May 11.

Inspired by F.E. Warren Air Force Base's annual Crow Creek Challenge, Tech. Sgt. Shane Mellish, 341st Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of confinement, knew he had to bring a similar challenge to Malmstrom.

"After being here for two years and realizing the 341st Security Forces Group was missing out, I approached Chief Master Sgt. Derick Stepp about it," Mellish said. From there it snowballed into the Aces Cop Combat Challenge."

The 20 fire teams consisted of four Airmen, ranging in rank from airman to staff sergeant, and 2nd and 1st lieutenants. Every group had one fire team leader, but all members had to work together in order to be successful in the challenge.

"We put together 24 different stations spread out across Powwow Park and the Warrior Launch Facility consisting of cop knowledge and the basic things we do day in and day out," Mellish said. "Then they were either timed on a task, or they tried to complete as many repetitions in 15 minutes, such as the tire pull and team pain."

While some stations demanded physical and mental endurance, others required patience and communication as competitors directed their teammates on how to put together a weapon while blindfolded.

Other stations, such as vehicle cover and range estimation provided retraining.

"Range Estimation is key in our career field because it's part of our job," Mellish said.

Some stations included a Humvee push, a fireman carry and a half-mile ruck-run.

But team pain was recognized as the most popular spot for spectators. Teams were required to complete five staggered push-ups in a puddle of mud, flip a tire four times, and repeat for 15 minutes. Points were accumulated for the amount of repetitions completed.

For some team members, pushing themselves to endure the pain was doable. Others needed to hear encouragement to persevere.

"I knew I wanted to get involved in this challenge so I could push my limits to see what I'm capable of," said Senior Airman Sydney Lawrence, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron member. "Not only is this good training but it's good to practice recalling memory under pressure."

The challenge was an opportunity for Airmen to show family, friends and supervisors their pride in being a defender.

"I'm thankful for all the people supporting us," said Senior Airman Adam Neil, 341st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force member.

Six months of organizing the event made it possible to bring more than 200 spectators, 113 cadre and 180 volunteers.

"The purpose of this challenge was to build morale and camaraderie amongst the 341st SFG, and to make this an annual event to show support for our young Airmen," Mellish said. "It's great getting younger Airmen out to show them we've been in their shoes and appreciate everything they do."