Rodeo builds pararescue camaraderie, skills in the Tucson desert

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Candice Agee-Reed
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  For the first time, the highly coveted pararescue (PJ) rodeo was hosted in the Tucson desert at Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Oct 4-10.

The desert rodeo united both active duty and Reserve PJs for some skill building and friendly competition among their peers.

"My favorite part was getting to interact with all of the other PJ teams in between events and getting to know some of the guys from other squadrons who we don't get to see a lot," said Senior Airman William Forsythe, pararescueman, 306th Rescue Squadron here.

"Regardless of the type of unit or its mission, friendly competition amongst peers brings people together, builds camaraderie and a sense of community and improves individual and team skills," said Chief Master Sgt. James Sanchez, 306th RQS Chief Enlisted Manager.

It was team-building 101. "All the participating teams are winners in my book," said Lt. Col. John Keeler, 306th RQS commander.

This year eight teams were in competition for the Rodeo gold; Technical Sgt. Sean McBride, Airman Forsyth, Staff Sgt. Michael Inglis and Staff Sgt. Richard Dunn from the 306th RQS represented the 943rd Rescue Group here.

In this arduous week long competition, teams competed in technical shooting, free-fall parachuting and combat navigation, including paramedic procedures events. The land navigation course was an extensive eight-leg course where each team was given a set of coordinates and a 50-pound back-pack to carry on their adventure.

With these coordinates, each team had to find numerous skill stations. Each station was comprised of different activities such as starting IVs, starting a fire, building rescue systems, programming radios and putting together weapons. Each station had to be completed in its entirety, and in sequential order, before moving on to the next station.

The 306th PJs took a methodical approach to this task and utilized each member's skills. During the heat of this competition some members were working on one area of the task, while others were planning ahead to get to the next station.

"During the combat navigation portion, the 306th RQS team demonstrated unparalleled teamwork as they completed the intricate task in just two hours and 57minutes - a whopping 50 minutes faster than the next team to finish!" said Chief Sanchez.

The 306th RQS members determinedly forged on in additional events displaying their perfectly honed skills.

At the end of the long week of the events, the scores were tallied up and the 306th came out with a second place overall win.

"I am very proud of the four team members as well as the entire squadron that supported their efforts," said Colonel Keeler.

The individual and team skill of these four Airmen is a positive reflection on everybody in the 306 RQS, even those airmen that were not able to participate. One of the team members, through no fault of his own, had to be replaced the eve before the first day of competition.

"I have high regard for the professionalism of that team member and the continued support he gave to his team. I am extremely proud of the team, and their performance is unparalleled," said Chief Sanchez.

For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing contact the 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs Office at (321) 494-0535/6 or log onto: Facebook/920th Rescue Wing (Government Organization).