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AC3, the ultimate competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Security Forces Group hosted the 5th Annual Ace’s Cop Combat Challenge Aug. 19, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.

“The Ace’s Cop Combat Challenge is an opportunity for defenders to prove themselves by demonstrating their strengths, job-skill knowledge and motivation,” said Col. Chris Frederiksen, 341st SFG commander.

Frederiksen also said that AC3 is the toughest security forces competition he has seen at a wing in his career.

Competitors were tested both physically and mentally.

“Airmen can’t be just physically fit, they also have to be smart,” said Frederiksen. “Defenders have to be proficient in on-the-job skills such as being able to use a map and compass and solve problems. It’s all related to the job and the training defenders receive.”

The challenge consisted of approximately 22 four-member teams from the group’s four squadron and 90 cadre volunteers to organize the competition with a multitude of spectators.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the challenge increases security forces’ morale,” said Maj. Jeremy Sheppard, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron commander. “The challenge is a form of fun training. Once training goes outside the norm, people retain more, learn more and want to get involved more.”

According to Frederiksen, on a day-to-day basis the four squadrons don’t necessarily get to interact with each other, so having a combined event to build relationships is essential training for real-world scenarios.

“The challenge builds morale and teamwork between Airmen,” said Frederiksen. “Defenders need to have the ability to work with others from different squadrons for exercises, recalls and responses.”

Competitors had to be a first or second lieutenant, or be a staff sergeant or below to be able to participate. Teams were allowed only one officer and one staff sergeant per team.

“The idea is to get more junior Airmen involved,” said Sheppard. “(The 341st Security Forces Group) is a 1,200 member group. Sometimes, it can be hard to get Airmen together outside of duty requirements.”

Competitors had to complete multiple feats in order to place in various categories. Awards included best team, squadron, leader and outstanding performers.

“The Ace’s Cop Combat Challenge is an event meant to display the physically and tactically fit Malmstrom defenders,” said Sheppard.

Airmen competed in events including ‘Team Pain’, which is an interlocked-four-man pushup.

“AC3 is a combination of a mud run, obstacle race and tactical extravaganza,” said Sheppard.

Airmen who competed also had to pull a Humvee.

“I was most excited to pull the Humvee,” said Airman 1st Class Timothy Culp, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight member and participant in the challenge. “The Humvees weigh about 16,000 pounds, so pulling one ought to be interesting.”

Winners received ultimate bragging rights within the group.

“The challenge definitely contributes to camaraderie between the cops,” said Culp. “I also like that there is a competition part to it.”

However, Airmen were advised to also be as safe as possible during the competition.

“Airmen were briefed on the importance of staying hydrated and actively being aware of safety concerns,” said Frederiksen.

Frederiksen also said when competitors are out running around in the field they have to look out for possible dangers like snakes and holes so they don’t hurt themselves.

“Safety is a big concern, not only for the well-being of Airmen, but to ensure that when the competition is over the mission still gets done. Security forces provide defenses for the base and security to nuclear resources 24/7.”

Frederiksen also said that while Airmen, himself included, went to the event to support each other and have fun, many defenders were deployed to the field carrying out the mission and their sacrifice is always appreciated.

“Our ultimate goal of AC3 is for Airmen to have fun and build camaraderie in an exciting way,” said Frederiksen.

AC3 Awards:

Top Squadron: 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron
Flight Team Leader: Staff Sgt. Cody Brazelton, 341st MSFS
Flight Team Member: Senior Airman Christopher Baca, 341st Security Forces Support Squadron
Outstanding Performance Leader: Staff Sgt. William Padin, 341st Security Forces Squadron
Outstanding Performance Leader: Airman 1st Class Jordan Hrkach, 741st MSFS
Outstanding Performance Member: Senior Airman Tyler Arevalo, 741st MSFS
Outstanding Performance Member: Airman 1st Class Daniel Pierce, 741st MSFS
Team Pain: 741st MSFS Tactical Response Force
Top Shot: Senior Airman Christopher Baca, 341st SSPTS