48th FTS to compete in AMC rodeo

  • Published
  • By Capt. Matthew Humphrey
  • 14th Operations Group
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  A four man team from the 48th Flying Training Squadron departed July 20 for McChord AFB, Wash., with the unique opportunity to participate in the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo. The AMC Rodeo challenges aircrews from all over the world in every aspect of their airframe's mission. More than 55 U.S. and international teams, with more than 2,500 people in total, are slated to compete in the event to be held Sunday through Saturday at McChord AFB. There are 45 U.S. teams, including three from the Marine Corps and one from the Coast Guard, as well as international competitors from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Nineteen other countries are sending observer teams as well.
Normally the AMC Rodeo is exclusively reserved for mobility aircrews, but this year T-1A aircraft from Randolph AFB, Texas, Vance AFB, Okla., Laughlin AFB, Texas, and Columbus AFB, Miss., have also been invited to partake in this premier training experience.
Why take a Columbus training aircraft to an event that focuses on worldwide mobility? First, it is a career broadening experience for all participants. For instance, aircrews will be exposed to global readiness featuring, airdrops, air refueling, and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port, maintenance and aeromedical evacuation personnel. Second, it provides first assignment instructor pilots with insights into the way AMC conducts flying operations.
"Having spent my entire flying career in AETC, I'm looking forward to seeing the things I've been teaching at Columbus executed in this AMC competition", says Capt. Luke Borer, a participating FAIP. "I'm eager to build my instructional skills." As Borer alludes to, the final reason to take a trainer to this event is to validate the training our aircrews undergo at the AETC level of pilot training.
According to Capt. Jared Paine, "It is very important for the 48th FTS to keep our training aligned with AMC operations... this is a perfect check up."
The AMC Rodeo, focuses on improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities. In regard to the T-1A Jayhawk, aircrews will be competing in a timed arrival competition, a fit to fight challenge, and both simulated airdrop and air refueling events.
"In that we are not capable of meshing with much larger airframes, the T-1s will be strictly competing against each other," says head Rodeo wrangler and team chief Maj. Steve Cochran. "Nonetheless, it promises to be a heated competition. I'm excited to see how our team's preparation stands up to the other squadrons."
According to the Air Mobility Command website, the Rodeo began in 1962 as a combat-skills competition designed to develop and improve techniques and procedures while enhancing air-mobility operations and promoting esprit de corps. In 1979, the rodeo was expanded to include international air-mobility partners. It provides valuable joint and combined training for all participants. An important long-term benefit is increased cooperation among international air-mobility forces. Collectively, the ultimate goal of the competition is to develop and improve techniques and procedures that enhance air-mobility operations. Spirited competition furthers that purpose, while strengthening the mutual goals and esprit de corps developed between competing teams.