Kadena PME students pass test on PJ obstacle course

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Students of Class 09-02 from the Erwin Professional Military Education Center learned a hard and rewarding lesson about teamwork and fitness from Kadena's 31st Rescue Squadron during a fitness challenge Jan. 23. 

"At the NCO academy, we teach them leadership principles and skills in the classroom," said Chief Master Sgt. Annette Henderson, Erwin PME Center commandant, "but this confidence combat course taught them about how to become successful as a team." 

This is the first confidence course challenge the Erwin PME Center has held for its students. It all started when one of the students, Tech. Sgt. Chris DiPierro, from the 31st Rescue Squadron, asked the PME leadership to add more physical challenges for students. 

"This was put together to focus on teamwork and team-centered activities," said Tech. Sgt. Maryann Bullock, PME flight instructor. "This helps promote the individuality between each flight, as well as competitiveness and friendliness." 

"We're building good team camaraderie here," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Taylor, 18th Munitions Squadron, equipment maintenance assistant section chief. "The course was tough, but I think our class did a pretty good job pulling this off." 

Some of the obstacles the Airmen were faced with included litter carries, zodiac boat carries, jerry-can races, vehicle pushes and rope climbing. 

"This form of physical training will be replicated in the future at the academy grounds," said Chief Henderson. "This is a great training program and I plan to continue on with this."