50 people, 10 miles, five hours, one goal
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
With intense Air Force physical training, comes the image of the elite pararescue and tactical air control party specialists keeping their bodies in top physical conditions to suit their operational environment.
Sometimes, unseen are Airmen who go the extra mile for their fitness, regardless of the immediate mission need, like the seven contracting flight Airmen at Laughlin who gather for grueling physical training sessions.
Together, they work on their fitness, strengthening not only their bodies but their unit's bond.
"We have all witnessed drastic physical fitness increases and the ability to push each other positively," said Staff Sgt. Clifford Roberts, 47th Contracting Flight contracting officer.
"It also helps us build camaraderie and overall unit cohesion," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Miller, 47th CONF contracting specialist.
The unit PT includes running up to 18 miles a week with sessions of calisthenics in between, but that's not the only way members stretch their legs.
"Multiple members of the team take it upon themselves to exercise more on their own, on the days we do not train as a group," said Staff Sgt. Michael Bailey, 47th CONF contracting specialist.
And this weekend they, along with 4 other teams from Laughlin, will be put to the ultimate test.
Outdoor Recreation invites Laughlin members to the Team Cohesion Challenge, led by an experienced member of special operations, set to be held August 29 and it's not too late to sign up.
The event is open to fifty participants, and only ten for each of the groups and the student squadron. Registration is $20 per person.
The GORUCK light session will be 7 to 10 miles long with team-working challenges in between and should take about 4 to 5 hours.
There is a weight requirement for the rucksack that is based on every individual's weight.
According to GORUCK, the average completion rate is 100 percent because the goal of the ruck is to be challenging but fun for a team.
"No individual will be crossing the finish line alone," said Fernando Brown, 47th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation manager. "The goal is for each group to finish as a team."