Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- The 898th Munitions Squadron recently took time for an internal process review.

Senior leaders in the squadron met to review and discuss processes, such as work scheduling, training and technical data updates to ensure all stakeholders understand the processes, as well as provide the opportunity to identify potential shortfalls.

The review was followed by some morale-building events the next day, highlighted by the first-ever "Tie-down Rodeo." Teams of varying experience (and qualifications) took turns demonstrating their ability to quickly and accurately secure an H1388 container to a flatbed trailer. Judges graded not just time but also assessed penalties for each detected technical data and process violation.

The winning team, led by then-Staff Sgt., now Tech Sgt. Darl Lanning, showed that experience and rank did not provide the upper hand, by beating out the senior non-commissioned officer and officer teams.