SAM Squad Represents at Firefighter Combat Challenges Published July 10, 2009 By Scott Jarmon 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- The nationwide Firefighter Combat Challenge is similar to the Rookie Firefighter Challenge held at the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy here. The combat challenge involves firefighters competing over obstacles designed to mimic real-life firefighting. The obstacles range from climbing a five-story tower, to hoisting, chopping, and dragging hoses, to rescuing a life-size 175-pound dummy. The Firefighter Combat Challenge is broadcasted nationwide on television and the Internet. Each year, the challenge attracts thousands of municipal fire departments and more than 30 million people worldwide at more than 25 locations. The Soldiers/Sailors, Airman and Marines squad started in 2001 as a recruitment tool for firefighters. The squad brings positive exposure to the fire academy and all branches of the military. Many military bases have their own squad, but Goodfellow is the only base with a team representing all the military branches, making the SAM Squad unique. "The biggest advantage the SAM Squad has is the pool of 200 plus firefighter instructor cadre the school maintains," said William Gates, SAM Squad member. "But with advantages comes disadvantages, the SAM squad changes face almost every year. It is like trying to start a new Division 1 varsity football team every year. It is a battle that we continue to overcome with success." The Goodfellow SAM squad attends the Combat Challenges frequently. Since the end of May, the squad competed in three events, and they are planning to attend another one at the end of July. At the last challenge, held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. June 26, the squad placed first in the relay competition and first in the tandem competition. This was the first time the Firefighter Combat Challenge was held on a military installation. It was also the highest elevation and was comparably one of the most difficult. Out of the16 total teams at the U.S. Air Force Academy event, seven represented the Department of Defense, marking one of the best showings for the Department of Defense recently.