Airmen, Sailors compete in Student Lineman's Rodeo Published Nov. 26, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Vernon Cunningham 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Students in the 366th Training Squadron put their training to the test Nov. 17, in the Military Apprentice Lineman's Rodeo. About 30 Air Force and Navy students competed in five events designed to showcase their skills in the electrical systems career field. The rodeo was set up to see how each team, made up of mixed teams of Airmen and Seabees, safely and swiftly performed each career-field task. The events were: · Written Test - 25 question test on electrical theory and basic line construction · Hurt Man Rescue - student climbs a 35-foot pole and properly rescues a 180-pound manikin (simulating an injured fellow lineman). · Pole Climb (egg climb) - competitor climbs a 35-foot pole with an egg in a bucket, and descends the pole with the egg in their mouth (cracking or breaking the egg was not allowed). · Knot Tying - apprentice ties the five appropriate knots used in the career field · Replace Lightning Arrestor - lineman climbs a 35-foot pole, removes and replaces a 10-pound porcelain lightning arrestor and climbs down. As the students competed, they were cheered on by their fellow linemen. Airmen and Sailors supported each other as they worked to do their best for their team. "It's great. It gets everyone out of the barracks. We have food, friends and everyone out here enjoys climbing," said Seaman Recruit Justin Cecil, 366th TRS electrical systems student. Staff Sgt. Derrell Guillory, 366th TRS electrical systems instructor, said, "It's about getting the kids to understand that no matter what branch you come from, we all have a common goal. When we deploy, it's one team - one fight." Working together, the Navy Seabees and Air Force apprentices displayed the talents they acquired from their instructors during their stay with the 366th TRS. "This is the best opportunity to show their skills to each other," said Melissa Guillory, 366th TRS electrical systems instructor. "It's a chance to say: Hey, I'm good at this. This is what I am going to do for a living." The electrical systems career field was well represented as a diverse mixture of students volunteered to participate in the rodeo. "I'm one of only two girls out here. (I'm) out to have fun and show what we learned," said Seaman Apprentice Stephanie Seale, 366th TRS electrical systems student. For one student, he said the days' events were a reflection of the instructors at the 366th TRS. "The day showed that the instruction the teachers gave us was heard and understood," said Airman 1st Class Johnson D. Preston, 366th TRS electrical systems student. "They produce the best linemen so we can be ready when we are called upon. The more quality linemen that are available, the easier it will be to get the mission done." Here are first through third place finishers of each event: Overall winner: Airman Diens Noel Egg Climb: Airman 1st Class Adam Parker, Airman Diens Noel, Seaman Recruit Justin Cecil Hurtman Rescue: Airman 1st Class Brandon Bromley, Airman 1st Class Zachary Bell, Airman 1st Class Christian Kamelo Lighting Arrestor Change Out: Staff Sgt. Keith Oliver, Airman 1st class Zachary Bell, Seaman Recruit Skyler Sanders Knot Tying: Seaman Recruit Derek Gates, Seaman Recruit Stephanie Seale, Airman 1st class Brandon Bromley Airman Bell also scored the highest on the written test.