SAMS Squad off to a strong season start Published May 15, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- Instructors from the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy's firefighting competition team finished first as a seven-person relay team and placed in the top three in several individual categories during the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge held in Lawton, Okla. May 5-6. The SAMS Squad - Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors who make up the team are off to a very strong start for this season's competitions. Commonly called the toughest two minutes in sports; our firefighters go toe-to-toe against the best firefighters out there, both civilian and military. "This has been the best start for the team in more than three years," said SAMS Squad member Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Pickett , Louis F. Garland DoD Fire Academy Block III Instructor. "The team is only going to get faster and stronger as the season progresses." This year SAMS Squad consists of four Marines, one Sailor, one Airman and one civilian. All of them are instructors at the Fire Academy here and have proven they have the exceptional motivation and skill set to teach life-saving skills to future Defense Department firefighters. During the competition, the team is tested on physical fitness level, agility and knowledge. They must navigate an obstacle course designed to mimic some of the toughest real-life situations. Members must be able to complete a tower climb and hose carry, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance and victim rescue- while trying to finish faster than other highly skilled firefighting professionals. On average, the course takes two minutes to complete, which is where the name 'the toughest two minutes in sports' comes from. Pickett has been on the squad for three years, including competing in the national competition for the past two years. Last year the Goodfellow team took third place at the nationals and went on to compete in the World Challenge. To prepare for the competition, the team maintains the highest levels of physical fitness, adhering to a grueling exercise regimen meant to keep them on point with the best of the best. "To some people it might seem crazy," Pickett said. "We run laps up and down steep stairwells, and run sprints dragging anywhere from 90 to 270 pounds for 50 to 100 yards again and again. Its time consuming and extremely difficult but that's what it takes to be the best." SAMS Squad is open to the base and anyone is encouraged to come, Pickett said. "If you think you have what it takes to join we want you to come out and see what it's like, this course is like no other," he added. "They call it the toughest two minutes for a reason. If you want to train with us, just be prepared to give it everything you have." SAMS Squad is scheduled to compete May 25-26 in Farmers Branch, Texas, followed by a competition June 8-9 in Carlsbad, NM. This year's SAMS Squad team members are: Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Pickett, Marine Corps Detachment Marine Staff Sgt. Adam James, Marine Corps Detachment Marine Staff Sgt. Dane Smith, Marine Corps Detachment Marine Sgt. Alberto Rivera, Marine Corps Detachment Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Yendry Martinez, Navy Center for Information Dominance Detachment William Bockelman, 312th Training Squadron Instructor Staff Sgt. Joshua Napier, 312th Training Squadron Instructor
