News

AF chooses Robins to help boost Airman unity, overall well-being

  • Published
  • By Brian Shreve
  • Robins Public Affairs
Airmen are no strangers to being put to the test, and the Air Force Team Cohesion Challenge is designed to provide them with exactly that.

Earlier this year, Robins was one of 18 installations selected by the Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Services to participate in the pilot program - a team-based event created specifically for active-duty Airmen to enhance unit cohesion, leadership skills and overall performance in tackling physical and mental obstacles.

Though Robins will host the event Sept. 27, the challenge was developed by GORUCK, a private company founded by Special Forces veterans that designs products and leads endurance training programs catered to the military, law enforcement and other emergency personnel.

The AFPC Directorate of Services partnered with the company for the single-day event, also known as the GORUCK Light challenge, and personnel will be arriving at Robins the day before to set up the entire course at various non-restricted areas of the base yet to be determined.

"They approached the Air Force, which had been looking for something like this," said Scott Peavy, 78th Force Support Squadron Force Services fitness coordinator. "They wanted to do something more tailored toward military life rather than just a mud race or something like that. Luckily, we were selected as one of the installations."

There will also be a 5-K run held the day prior to the AFTCC, which is open to the entire base but mandatory for those Airmen registered for the main event, a rucksack challenge consisting of 30-person teams known as GORUCK families.

During the rucksack challenge, a Special Forces veteran known as a cadre will lead teams through five hours of training that includes swimming, calisthenics, lifting and marching - all while wearing a 40-pound rucksack full of equipment.

"With it being active duty only, it's much more than just a physical thing," said Peavy. "There's a camaraderie element, problem solving, emotional and mental elements. It really hits the whole person."

Though the Air Force is funding the challenge, there will be cost of $30 to participating Airmen, a fee that will go toward water, T-shirts and other resources.

Airmen may register in groups or individually by contacting Peavy at 472-7681 or wendell.peavy.1@us.af.mil.