MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Airmen of the 908th Airlift Wing 25th Aerial Port Squadron had their fair share of flying through different obstacles, fighting to get to the top of those obstacles, and swinging on to the next, here, on Saturday, July 10.
It was all in fun (as well as team-building and physical training), as they completed the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School Assault Course, named “Project X.”
The Airmen experienced the grueling 27-obstacle course, gaining a first-hand glimpse at some of the physical stringency that it takes to be an officer in the United States Air Force. The entire course consists obstacles with names like “Tangle Foot,” “The Dirty Name,” “Island Hopper,” and “The Tarzan.” Officer trainees at the school usually take part in the course, held during a week of training that simulates a deployed environment, to not only challenge themselves physically, but mentally as well.
“I had to think logically to complete this course,” said air transportation journeyman Senior Airman Ryan Williams. “It pushed me and the other participants to be the best versions of ourselves.”
This location serves as one of two of the Officer Training School Assault Course locations, with the other being in a remote location just outside of Wetumpka, Ala. The location outside of Wetumpka is the one that is more frequently used.
The aerial porters were bussed from their unit on Maxwell to the course and given a thorough safety briefing that consisted of the proper wearing of personal protective equipment on certain obstacles, hydration and exertion limits, and being vigilant if a fellow Airman is in distress.
Although the exercise was meant to serve mostly as a morale booster, the Airmen of 25 APS benefited from the various obstacles because of the physicality of the air transportation career field. Lt. Col. Jason L. Johnson, 25th APS commander, said the event fostered teamwork as the Airmen worked together to help each other overcome the obstacles.
“The course was both physically and mentally challenging,” he said. “The obstacles tested endurance and the ability to think on their feet to overcome the obstacle. It was successful, and we will definitely do it again.”
Airman Cody Varner, 25th APS air transportation specialist, coordinated the entire event through the Officer Training School. The course is free and open for all to use as long as you receive prior approval from Master Sgt. James Tett, medical operations and training superintendent and the installation obstacle course program manager.