Airmen compete in firefighter combat challenge

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
LAS VEGAS (AFNS) --  Six teams of Air Force firefighters, from various bases, are testing their skills and stamina Nov. 16 to 20 against more than 600 fire departments from around the world during the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge here.

The 3,000 military and civilian firefighters, hailing from countries as far away as South Africa, will compete against each other in five events as they showcase their skills to spectators.

During the competition, the firefighters will climb a five-story tower, hoist and chop, drag hoses and rescue a life-sized 175-pound "victim," while racing against themselves, their opponents, and the clock.

Participants are currently competing in a wildcard playoff that will culminate with the best firefighters in the world facing off during the last two days of the event.

"This competition keeps you at the level of fitness and confidence needed to accomplish the real world job," said Staff Sgt. Brandon O'Neil, a firefighter from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "This is by far the most competitive training firefighters go through and actually surpasses what is required to complete our mission." 

To make the event even more challenging, participants wear their full "bunker gear," including an air-breathing apparatus, throughout the competition.

"This contest actually simulates what they do on the job and they can see how they compare to other teams," said Brittany Davis, a firefighter combat challenge event coordinator.

In past events, Air Force team members have performed well on their "job simulations" and are looking to continue that trend for this competition.

"It's rare that the Air Force teams come out and not perform well," Ms. Davis said. The Travis AFB team won four years in a row. (2004-2007)

Another team that has done well is from the U.S. Air Force Academy. They will be looking to be a contender this year as they hold world record times in the tandem event.

"I hold the male tandem world record with a time of 1:12," said Anthony McMurtry, Academy team member who completed the event with Brandon Cunningham, a USAFA team member.

Air Force results for the 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will be provided later this week.