TOP STORY >>Exercise lifts opportunities for success

By Tech. Sgt. Arlo Taylor
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock’s 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo team has been working out in the hot Arkansas sun in preparation for the event’s Fit to Fight competition at McChord AFB Wash., because they are going to be carrying home a bunch of trophies.
The Fit to Fight competition consists of the Rodeo team chief plus nine randomly selected team members to be tested on a 1.5 mile run, sit-ups and push-ups much like the Air Force fitness test.

Little Rock’s team has been getting ready for the events’ physical fitness competition with weekly team workouts.
Little Rock’s Logistics Readiness Team has been tuning up for the competitions with rucksack marches twice a week in addition to team workouts focusing on the 1.5 mile run, sit-ups and push-ups.

“Rodeo requires stamina and we’re breaking up our workouts a little bit so we don’t get burned out,” said Staff Sgt. Lance Beaver, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

“Everybody’s trying to get their stamina up. It’s about getting everyone up to the same speed, because it doesn’t matter who is the fastest or slowest. Your time doesn’t stop until the last person crosses the finish line. So we try to keep everyone at the same pace so we can finish at the same time.”

“It’s helped our teamwork also…everybody’s gotten a little closer,” said Sergeant Beaver.

The veteran of the 2005 championship Rodeo team said the stamina team members are sweating to build now will reap dividends at McChord. “You have to be on top of your game, because everything is fast-paced and timed,” Sergeant Beaver said.

“It’s requires a lot of attention to detail. When you get tired, you can get lax, but with good stamina you are able to deliver your top performance.”

The competition focuses on readiness, and features airdrop, air refueling, and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port, maintenance and aeromedical evacuation personnel.

There are 45 U.S. teams, including three from the Marine Corps and one from the Coast Guard, as well as international competitors from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Nineteen other countries are sending observer teams.