403rd Wing hosts first Battle Forged Run

The 403rd Wing conducted its first Battle Forged Run May 3-4.

The run brought together five teams of ten Airmen from across the wing to compete in a timed course simulating combat operations. The course began behind the 403rd Wing Headquarters, where teams were tasked with a mobilization challenge requiring them to move supplies as a unit before starting the run.

From there, each team member was issued a mock weapon and began the main portion of the course. Along the route, teams were required to carry weighted ammunition cans, adding physical pressure and reinforcing the importance of mutual support in operational environments.

The final station, Combat Under Fire, involved a low crawl with their weapons before retrieving a litter and mannequin, simulating a casualty evacuation. Once the litter was carried to the designated drop zone, teams ran the final mile back to the starting point to complete the course.

"We went out there, kind of seamlessly, and we just all meshed immediately. It was pretty cool," said 1st Lt. Justen Hurley, communications officer in charge for the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "Doing those team events is a good way to actually bring people together in a really fun way, too."

The 36th AES emerged as the winning team, completing the course with the fastest time.

"The Battle Forged Run was a tremendous success and a perfect example of what it means to develop our warrior ethos. Events like this push our physical limits, sharpen our combat readiness, and strengthen the camaraderie that defines our wing," said Chief Jackson. "I couldn't be prouder of every Airman who stepped up to the challenge - and a special congratulations to the 36th AES team for taking the win. Well done!"

The 403rd Wing plans to continue the Battle Forged Run as a recurring event to build warrior culture, encourage squadron cohesion, and prepare Citizen Airmen for the demands of contested environments.