USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart is gearing up to host its second Firefighter Combat Challenge at the Main Exchange parking lot on Panzer Kaserne on Oct. 12, 2024. This high-energy event, held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, will bring together both U.S. Army and host nation firefighters for a day of intense competition, physical fitness, and inter-agency collaboration.
Spectators are welcome and are encouraged to visit to cheer on the participants and enjoy giveaways and information related to Fire Prevention Week; individual competitions run from 9 – 11 a.m., with relay and tandem team competition activities taking place from 11:30 a.m. through 3 p.m.
The challenge itself includes more than 90 participants from at least nine different firefighting agencies from across southern Germany, including U.S. Army Fire and Emergency Services personnel and local host nation fire departments. It is designed to test firefighters’ physical and mental endurance through a series of demanding tasks simulating real-life firefighting scenarios.
Participants will face several events, including:
- Stair Climb: Competitors will carry a 42-pound high-rise pack up six flights of stairs.
- Hose Hoist: A 42-pound hose roll must be pulled to the top of a five-story tower.
- Forcible Entry: Firefighters will move a 160-pound beam using a 9-pound mallet.
- Hose Advance: Competitors will sprint 140 feet, pick up a charged hose, drag it through swinging doors, and spray a target.
- Victim Rescue: The final challenge involves dragging a 175-pound mannequin for 100 feet to the finish line.
The event formally kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome message from the garrison’s leadership, followed by individual competitions, relay races, and team events. The day will conclude with an award ceremony at 3:30 p.m. honoring the top performers.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge is a unique opportunity for military and civilian firefighters to demonstrate their skills, build camaraderie, and foster partnerships between the U.S. and local fire services.