YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Defenders from the 374th Security Forces Squadron completed their final days of extensive training in preparation for the Advanced Combat Skills Assessment in Guam at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 13-14, 2024.
ACSA is an annual training event designed to test the physical endurance and core operational skills of Pacific Air Forces Security Forces and selected partner nations.
“The event is voluntary for the Airmen in our squadron, and we hold tryouts 30 days before the challenge,” said Airman 1st Class Ahtziri Sanchez, 374th Security Forces Squadron installation entry controller. “Whoever is willing to try out will test in the different aspects of the challenge, including a 3-mile run with events in full kits.”
The teams are composed of four Security Forces Defenders, three men and one woman, and accompanied by an NCO who acts as a coach and possible team alternate. These Defenders compete with numerous other teams from around the PACAF Area of Responsibility, and convene at Anderson Air Base, Guam May 20-24, 2024, to compete.
374th SFS attend this event annually and are able to use the ACSA as an avenue to improve their skills in a competitive way that promotes overall team bonding.
“The fitness assessment is essentially just like a PT test with a few other workouts incorporated,” said Senior Airman Dorrean Starks, 374th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. “We do ammo can lifts, sit-ups, hand release pushups, and a 1.5-mile run.”
Competing Defenders also test their skills in combatives, land navigation, radio troubleshooting, weapons knowledge and firing. All of these skills will be evaluated between the competing teams, with winners being acknowledged at the end of the event.
“I definitely think we’re going to place high, we put in a lot of work, and as long as we don’t quit, I’ll be proud,” said Sanchez. “This kind of event teaches you that you can definitely do more than you think.”