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SWAT Gets Into Action

Aug. 22, 2023 |DOD News

Three airmen run while carrying fellow airmen on their backs in a field.
Three airmen run while carrying fellow airmen on their backs in a field.
Buddy Carries
Airmen perform buddy carries during the physical fitness during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (4.11 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-9219N

Testing Tactical Fitness

National Guardsmen lunge in formation while carrying a log.
National Guardsmen lunge in formation while carrying a log.
SWAT Competition
Connecticut National Guardsmen perform team lunges with a log during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (2.84 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-7357M
A guardsman squats while holding a dumbbell as a fellow service member watches.
A guardsman squats while holding a dumbbell as a fellow service member watches.
SWAT Competition
A Connecticut National Guardman squats while holding a 75-pound dumbbell during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (3.04 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-7974M
A guardsman lifts a large stone over a barrier.
A guardsman lifts a large stone over a barrier.
SWAT Competition
A Connecticut National Guardsman lifts a stone over a barrier during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (1.64 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-7550M

Connecticut National Guardsmen along with fellow service members and police teams from around the country recently tested their tactical skills and physical strength while competing in the Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn. 

During the competition, teams challenged their physical limits, simulated hostage rescue scenarios and sharpened rifle and pistol marksmanship skills. The annual challenge, which started in 2005, is designed to push competitors while strengthening bonds with teammates.

This year, soldiers assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment won first place. They are known as the Army's premier direct-action raid force. 

The competition also served as a training event, allowing competitors to share best-practice techniques with one another.

Spotlight: Value of Service Spotlight: Value of Service: https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Value-of-Service/

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VIRIN: {{virin}}
A person exercises on a rowing machine on a paved road as others stand near parked vehicles.
Soldier throw the ball to each other as a staff member watches.
An airman dances while holding a drink.
A soldier carries two medicine balls his shoulders as a fellow service member watches.
A soldier laying on the ground fires a weapon as a person watches.
A soldier holds a kettle ball over his head.
Airmen pose for a photo.
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Two people aim weapons from a helicopter parked on the grass.
Two people aim weapons from a helicopter parked on the grass.
Ready for Action
Competitors prepare to shoot targets from a helicopter during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (5.89 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-6245
Two soldiers climb an obstacle.
Two soldiers climb an obstacle.
SWAT Action
Connecticut National Guardsmen climb over an obstacle during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (5.85 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-8264
A soldier throws a medicine ball against a wall while team members hold an inverted position against it.
A soldier throws a medicine ball against a wall while team members hold an inverted position against it.
Competition Time
A Connecticut National Guardsman tosses a medicine ball against a wall while team members hold an inverted position against it during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (5.99 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-8902
A soldier carrying a weapon moves on pavement.
A soldier carrying a weapon moves on pavement.
On the Move
A soldier participates in a simulated hostage rescue situation during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023.
Download: Full Size (3.52 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-6394

Airmen run on the grass while carrying a flag and workout equipment.
Airmen run on the grass while carrying a flag and workout equipment.
Finish Line
Airmen run across the finish line during the 2023 Connecticut SWAT Challenge in East Granby, Conn., Aug. 17, 2023. The Connecticut SWAT Challenge began in 2005 and evolved into a prestigious competition that brings in competitors from all around the country.
Download: Full Size (6.01 MB)
Credit: Timothy Koster
VIRIN: 230817-O-UQ901-9292

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