Team Scott honors heritage, proves readiness in Warrior Challenge Published May 22, 2025 By Senior Airman Shelby Rapert 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Air Mobility Wing hosted its semiannual Warrior Challenge today, May 22, 2025, 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. 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen shout their squadron chant during the semiannual Squadron Cup on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 22, 2025. The Squadron Cup is a unit-based competition at Scott focused on physical performance, tactical decision-making, and teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 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 on 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’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 A team from the 375th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron reads instructions during the semiannual Warrior Challenge on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 22, 2025. Airmen completed a 7.5-mile ruck and six mission-based challenges during the challenge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 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, where members constructed combative shelters M4 Shoot Test, demanding precision and calm under fire UXO and PAR Sweeps, simulating Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear post-attack scenarios and Unexploded Ordnance identification Foreign National Check Point, where the team is 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 U.S. Airmen prepare to compete in the pugil stick tournament during the semiannual Squadron Cup on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 22, 2025. Teams participating in the Squadron Cup are scored on safety, effectiveness, and execution under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 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, which tested strength, endurance and team dynamics in a series of sprints, ammo can carries and agility tasks Tactical Combat Casualty Care Challenge, where team demonstrated their ability to assess and treat combat injuries under simulated pressure Pugil Stick Tournament, where 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. “So, 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. 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.” Col. John Poole, 375th AMW commander U.S. Air Force Logo Award Winners Warrior Challenge Members from the U.S. Transportation Command pose after winning the Warrior Challenge at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 22, 2025. Their team earned first place after competing in a series of physically and mentally demanding events designed to test tactical readiness and teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Top 3 Teams and their Superior Performer USTRANSCOM - Maj. Lucas Dunaway FSS - 2nd Lt. Jaylen Lacy CE - Senior Airman Aaron Talton Individual Events 1st in Pallet Build - USTRANSCOM 1st in DFP Build - OMRS 1st in M4 Shoot Test - CE 1st is UXO & PAR Sweep - FSS 3-way Tie in AE - USTRANSCOM/12th ATF/WSS Fastest Ruck Time- USTRANSCOM - 1:47:30 Squadron Cup U.S. Airmen from the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron hold up a Squadron Cup after winning first place during the Warrior Challenge on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 22, 2025. The team earned top honors after competing against 15 others in physically and mentally demanding events designed to test combat readiness and teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Top 3 Teams AES FSS OSS Individual Events 1st in TCCC - SFS 1st in MCFT - OSS Pugil Stick Tournament Champion U.S. Air Force Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, awards a championship belt to Senior Airman David Bailey from the 375th Force Support Squadron, following the pugil stick tournament during the Warrior Challenge at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 22, 2025. Bailey earned first place in the bracket-style competition, which tested mental and physical combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 1st Place - FSS - Senior Airman David Bailey Runner-up - 12th ATF U.S. Air Force Logo