MAY 29, 2025 – The 375th Air Mobility Wing hosted its semiannual Warrior Challenge May 22, reinforcing that training doesn’t stop in the classroom–it’s forged through competition.
The day was split into two components: The Warrior Challenge and the Squadron Cup. Both events strengthened the wing’s warrior culture by sharpening the readiness and fitness needed to ‘Deliver Victory’ while honoring the installation’s legacy.
The Warrior Challenge pays tribute to the 155th Aero Squadron, the Army Air Corps’ first night-bomber unit. The 155th AS trained at Scott Field and deployed to Europe on Nov. 10, 1918, just one day before the Armistice was signed.
“The most ready, most lethal warriors never flew a combat mission and were disbanded to become a ghost squadron… until [now],” said Col. John Poole, 375th AMW commander, during the first Warrior Challenge, May 9, 2024.
Members who complete the Warrior Challenge receive a black arrowhead patch and coin, symbolizing their induction into the 155th AS and their grit as Airmen.
The Squadron Cup honors Scott Field’s tradition of unit competitions dating back to 1923, when Col. John A. Paegelow, Scott AFB’s first commander, launched the field challenges and created a silver trophy bearing his name. Units that won three times earned the honor of having their name engraved on the Paegelow Trophy–the first being the 9th Airship Company in 1924.
Today, the Squadron Cup winner receives the trophy to display, but only after three wins is their name inscribed.
Warrior Challenge: No weak links
Thirteen five-person teams arrived at sunrise for a mission briefing, followed by a 7.5 mile ruck while carrying a combined weight of 125 pounds. At six stations, teams demonstrated mission-essential skills while being scored on safety, speed and effectiveness under stress.
- Pallet Builds – engaging speed and accuracy in mobility logistics.
- Defensive Fighting Position Builds – members constructed combative shelters
- M4 Shoot Test – precision and calm under fire.
- UXO and PAR Sweeps – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear post-attack scenarios and Unexploded Ordnance identification.
- Foreign National Check Point – teams are tested on de-escalation tactics, effective communication and safeguarding of operational security.
- Aeromedical Evacuation – challenging teams to safely evacuate and stabilize simulated casualties.
“We are America’s warfighting force; We’re ready at any time to protect America’s goals, ambitions and values. This is a big part of how we do that. We’re showing that we have the right physical attitude and mindset to face and overcome any challenge.” Master Sgt. Chad Marcus, 375th Force Support Squadron
Squadron Cup: Building strength, speed and skill
Sixteen five-person teams represented their squadrons to face off in a variety of physically and mentally demanding events designed to mirror combat stress and require teamwork skills. They were also scored on speed, accuracy safety and effectiveness.
- Marine Combat Fitness Test – testing strength, endurance and team dynamics in a series of sprints, ammo can carries and agility tasks.
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care Challenge – teams demonstrated their ability to assess and treat combat injuries under simulated pressure.
- Pugil Stick Tournament – one Airman from each team competed in a bracket-style competition, demonstrating mental and physical fortitude in combat.
“We’re in the military and we will be asked to do difficult things,” said Airman 1st Class Orlando Souden from the 375th FSS. “It’s important that we do this and to be prepared for when the real thing happens.”
By design, the Warrior Challenge and Squadron Cup serve to instill the warrior ethos and reinforce the 375th AMW’s commitment to readiness through action, teamwork and heritage.
“You are a part of something that has gone on at Scott Field for over a century,” Poole said. “This installation has produced warfighters for every conflict that our nation has been in since WWI. We’re adding to that today with the readiness generated through your efforts.”
By Senior Airman Shelby Rapert
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs