Manzano Challenge tests, trains Defenders

  • Published
  • By Airman Austin Prisbrey
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Airmen belonging to the 377th Security Forces Group competed in the third annual 377th SFG Manzano Challenge Sept. 28, 2018, here.

The Manzano Challenge is designed to test, hone and build upon combat skills Defenders are taught throughout the year, said Tech. Sgt. Roderick Miller, 377th WSSS Bravo Flight assistant flight chief and project lead for the 377th SFG Manzano Challenge.

“This is another way our Defenders learn … and makes sure that we are ready to do whatever needs to be done,” said Miller.

Nine teams of four participated in nine different trials to determine an overall winner. The 377th Weapons Systems Security Squadron Charlie Flight team not only competed for the first-place travelling trophy, they competed for bragging rights for their squadron.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Pfeiffer, Staff Sgt. Brandon Mcgaha, Senior Airman Christian Bertram, Senior Airman Ryan Rudy and Airman 1st Class Zachary Swank, members of the 377th Weapons Systems Security Squadron Charlie Flight team, won the challenge.

The different stations challenged the Defenders physically and mentally. Physical challenges included a 125-meter Humvee push and a half-mile ruck run with gas masks donned. Mental challenges included calculating ranges of various targets and being blindfolded while breaking down, reassembling and performing a weapons check on a M4 carbine.

The Humvee push really tested the endurance of everyone, said Pfeiffer, Charlie Flight team captain. It weeded out those people who skip leg day in the gym. Despite the grueling nature of the event, morale was raised, skills were enhanced and teamwork was improved.

“This year’s event turned out great,” said Pfeiffer. “The people who organized the event did a great job. I could not have asked for anything better.”