Reserve pararescuemen finish first in total-force PJ rodeo

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Air Force Reserve pararescuemen also known as PJs from the 306th Rescue Squadron took first place in the biannual PJ Rodeo hosted by the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing during the last week of September 2012.

The friendly competition among Reserve, Guard and active duty pararescue units provided some enjoyable training and camaraderie for all PJs involved in the competition.

The competition consisted of a static-line parachute jump into the ocean, a Zodiac (small boat) race, a gladiator gauntlet (shooting event) and a high-angle rescue event at the New York Fire Department Training Academy.

"They (the competition events) were designed to be fun ... They simulate what we do in the real world," said Master Sgt. Sean McBride, 306th RQS pararescueman.

Staff Sgt. Robert Hutchinson, also a 306th RQS pararescueman, won the pistol event and was seconds away from winning the M-4 rifle event.

"He was the best pistol shooter out of probably 40 PJs," McBride said . "The prize for winning was a 9mm Glock pistol."

Prior to competing in the PJ Rodeo, most of the 306th RQS PJs participated in the 920th Rescue Wing's Combined Unit Exercise - Phase II that tested the skills and preparedness of Rescue Reservists during scenarios that mimic what they may find while deployed in a combat environment.

"We did not train for the event, we basically entered this competition 'off the couch' and we've got a great group of guys that put their all into this competition," McBride said.

McBride said the PJ career field is very small and this event was designed to build camaraderie among all the PJs, and allows them to network with PJs who have recently entered the career field.

"The New York Guard did a phenomenal job! Each event had a trophy, and they were incredible; they put a lot of time and effort into making this a highly successful PJ rodeo," McBride said.

306th RQS PJ rodeo competitors:
Capt. Ricardo Montana
Master Sgt. Sean McBride
Staff Sgt. Richard Dunn
Staff Sgt. Allen Brumfield
Staff Sgt. Ryan Gilbert
Staff Sgt. Robert Hutchinson
Senior Airman Jason Sweet
Senior Master Sgt. Nick McCaskill, did not compete in events, but provided assistance to 306th RQS PJs.

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