Take on the Marine Challenge

U.S. Marine SGT. Oliver Hand, Inspector Instructor Staff diary clerk, instructs Army SGT. Lixing Zhang, 285th Assault Aviation Battalion UH-60 Crew Chief through the ‘Maneuver Under Fire’ Marine Challenge at Davis-Monthan air Force Base, Ariz., March 28, 2014. The ‘Maneuver Under Fire’ Drill is the most complex part of the Marine Combat Fitness Test and is designed to measure functional fitness in a combat environment. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Camilla Elizeu/Released)

Take on the Marine Challenge

U.S. Marine SGT. Francisco Barron, Inspector Instructor Staff heavy equipment chief, coaches Army SGT. Lixing Zhang, 285th Assault Aviation Battalion UH-60 Crew Chief through the ‘Maneuver Under Fire’ Marine Challenge at Davis-Monthan air Force Base, Ariz., March 28, 2014. The challenge consists of 15 different exercises, some of which are a fireman carry, low crawl, ammo can sprints and a grenade throw. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Camilla Elizeu/Released)

Take on the Marine Challenge

Published March 28, 2014
By Senior Airman Camilla Elizeu
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., - -- Airmen test their strength and abilities through the 'Maneuver Under Fire' drill, here.

The 'Maneuver Under Fire' Drill is one of three components of the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test and is designed to measure functional fitness in a combat environment.

This course is mandatory for all Marines, however the 355th Force Support Squadron decided to use this drill to boost morale and physical fitness.

"The purpose of this event is to foster health and fitness," Cesar Vinueza, 355th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center director. "This year it is a team challenge so it promotes team spirit."

The 3rd Bulk Fuel Company Alpha stationed here, spent several hours setting up at the Arthur Benko Fitness Track and field the course to ensure the participants get the full experience.

"I think the Fireman carry is the most challenging part of this course," Vinueza said. "It is about half way into the challenge and people are pretty tired by then from what I have seen in the past."

The challenge consists of 15 different exercises, some of which are a fireman carry, low crawl, ammo can sprints and a grenade throw.

"[The challenge] should bring the participants satisfaction once they complete the course because it is very very intense," said Vinueza.

Anyone eligible to use the fitness facilities on base were given the opportunity to partake in the challenge.

"We are excited to see how well everyone will do," said Marine Sgt. Misty Crowsey, 3rd Bulk Fuel Company Alpha training chief. "We will be helping participants along. People get really tired and start forgetting what is next, so we will be there to help out."