60th Security Forces prepares for the upcoming Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristen Rohrer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Members of the 60th Security Forces Squadron Rodeo team recently suited up and prepared for another practice session at the shooting range. 

Each of the team members have been training for the upcoming 2007 Rodeo Challenge at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., in which they will participate in three events. 

There are three 60th SFS Airmen who will take part in events at the Rodeo: Tech. Sgt. William Rendall, Staff Sgt. William Kelly and Staff Sgt. Luis Garcia with their training led by Tech. Sgt. Michael Poplewko, 60th SFS. The Airmen will participate in Combat Tactics, the Combat Challenge Course and the Combat Weapons Competition. 

Each course is meant to test the team's abilities in various areas. During the Combat Tactics Course, the team will have to tactically execute a use of force scenario utilizing the correct amount of force, explained Sergeant Rendall. 

The Combat Challenge Course will test the physical endurance of the team. "Each team will demonstrate its physical capabilities and endurance by completing a course that includes four ground-defense skill stations and a cross-country run," he said. 

Finally, the Combat Weapons Course will test the team member's shooting skills. During this course, the team will have to demonstrate their marksmanship skills; firing the M-9 handgun and M-4 carbine, while under physical duress. 

In order to be ready for the Rodeo, the team practices every day. Their training consists of weapons firing of the M-9 handgun and the M-4 carbine, physical conditioning and variety of security scenario exercises. 

"All of our training is conducted as a team," said Sergeant Rendall.
Despite coming home empty-handed in 2005, the team feels confident it won't be the case this year. 

"I am confident with the team and training we have had this year, the 60th SFS will be a competitor for a trophy," Sergeant Rendall said. 

"The team has had every opportunity to train and succeed, and with all the time they've had out on the firing range, they should win," said Sergeant Poplewko. 

"I feel this is a great opportunity for all of us," said Sergeant Rendall. 

"These are all Security Forces skills we use every day on the mean streets of Travis and at forward deployed locations. This is an opportunity for us to showcase these skills in a competitive fashion." 

Editor's Note: This is the second article in the Tailwind's Rodeo coverage series. Keep reading the Tailwind, or visit public.travis.amc.af.mil for future stories on Team Travis Rodeo teams.