62nd SFS team takes aim for Rodeo 2007 Published June 7, 2007 By Capt. Suzanne Ovel 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Editors note: This is the first in a four part series of articles highlighting McChord's Rodeo 2007 competitors. They pound pavement six days a week, often decked out in helmets, body armor and weapons. Sweat, pain and endless training -- that's life as they'll know it for the next five weeks. The 62nd Security Forces Squadron's three-person team began this routine May 2, the first day they could start training for Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 competition in July. The international air mobility competition, a combination of air and ground competitive events, brings together the very best mobility Airmen every few years to compete in strenuous settings. "Rodeo is an extreme scenario of what could happen," said Staff Sgt. Jake Plemons, 62nd SFS Rodeo team captain. Sergeant Plemons, along with teammates Staff Sgts. Robert Connelly and Clay Greenwell, is preparing to excel in the three security forces competitions of combat tactics, a combat challenge course and combat weapons. To help them prepare, Master Sgt. David Newhardt, a four-time Rodeo veteran, is coaching the team. In addition to running, Sergeant Newhardt has the team swim, practice self-aid and buddy care and receive additional weapons practice on the M4 assault rifle and the M9 pistol. "I'll try to go over the most extreme circumstances, so they'll be prepared physically and mentally," Sergeant Newhardt said. The team's real-life experience will undoubtedly aid them also. All three staff sergeants have deployed in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. They sharpened their team unity when they flew together recently on a 13-day Phoenix Raven mission to provide security for C-17 Globemaster IIIs at airfields in locations such as Australia, the Philippines and Guam. Although they average about five to eight years in the Air Force each, two of the team members already have experience competing in past Rodeos. Sergeant Connelly was an alternate in Rodeo 2005 and Sergeant Plemons was a part of the 2005 62nd SFS team, which placed first in the combat tactics competition. Both plan on using that experience to their advantage this year. For Sergeant Connelly, that means pushing through the tedium and pain of all that running. "I know there's a purpose for it and an outcome," he said. Training and uniting as a team are the lessons Sergeant Plemons will bring to the competition. "Not to over-train and plateau too soon and to pretty much rely on teammates -- you're only as fast as your slowest person," he said. The secret, then, to placing first is increasing everyone's strengths, and this team plans on winning, Sergeant Newhardt said. "First place is what it's all about -- second place is nothing," said the coach.