Security Forces Defenders sharpen tactical skills during SWAT challenge.
BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Conn. — Connecticut National Guardsmen put their tactical skills and physical prowess to the test this year during the 15th Annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge. Soldiers of the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment and Airmen assigned to the 103rd Security Forces Squadron competed against some of the most highly-skilled tactical operators in the nation. The SWAT Challenge was not a new experience for 103rd Airmen; they have participated in the competition every year, since 2007. However, the 1-102nd Infantrymen were less experienced, with a third of their 12-member team being first-time competitors. The competition gave first-year competitor Spc. Connor Dowd of the 1-102nd a greater experience than what he expected.
“It definitely exceeded expectations,” said Dowd. “We got to take all of our training that we’ve done over the years and use it in this competition. This is definitely beneficial.”
The four-day challenge included events that tested skills in rifle and pistol marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, search and rescue operations and physical endurance. Teamwork was key to successfully completing each arduous task; competitors pushed themselves to the edge, mentally and physically, while strengthening bonds with their teammates.
“It was long and tough, but it was a good experience,” said Dowd. “It’s a good team-building and camaraderie thing. I know that I can rely on any one of these guys.”
In addition to providing an opportunity for high-level competition, the SWAT challenge also serves as a training event for Guardsmen. Challenge participants are able to share best-practice techniques from tactical operators outside of their organization.
“It shows the guys that there’s another level of competitiveness,” said team captain Sgt. 1st Class Ronaldo Barrera of the 1-102nd. “One of the biggest benefits is that we learn different techniques from other departments, and we learn from each other.”
Out of 31 teams, the 1-102nd team finished the competition in 20th place overall, while the 103rd team finished 27th. Barrera hopes that more members of the Connecticut National Guard will take advantage of the SWAT Challenge experience in years to come.
“I encourage members of the National Guard to compete, because it’s such a great learning experience,” said Barrera. “Hopefully we can get more teams next year from the Guard.”
By Tech. Sgt. Tamara R. Dabney, 103rd Airlift Wing / Published September 10, 2019
Senior Airman Emilio Masella, 103rd Security Forces Squadron, aims at a target during a range event at the Connecticut SWAT Challenge in Simsbury, Conn. Aug. 14, 2019. The competition brings together tactical operators from across the nation and beyond to practice SWAT weapons tactics, movements and physical fitness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Tucker)
A Connecticut National Guardsman assigned to the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment performs a food eating challenge during the physical training portion of the 15th Annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge in West Hartford, Conn., August 15, 2019. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge is a competition that tests the tactical skills of law enforcement officers. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Tamara R. Dabney)
A Connecticut National Guardsman assigned to the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment competes in the physical training portion of the 15th Annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge in West Hartford, Conn., August 15, 2019. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge is a competition that tests the tactical skills of law enforcement officers. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Tamara R. Dabney)
Connecticut National Guardsmen assigned to the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment pose for a photo after competing in the 15th Annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge in West Hartford, Conn., August 15, 2019. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge is a competition that tests the tactical skills of law enforcement officers. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Tamara R. Dabney)
