TACP celebrate holidays with PT

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

About 100 Tactical Air Control Party candidates and cadre, gathered at “The Jungle”, a sand-filled physical training area on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Dec. 19, to conduct the annual TACP Christmas PT session. 

“Each flight is in a different phase of training and the holiday PT session gives the Airmen a chance to come together,” said Master Sgt. Ernest Cecil, apprentice course chief for Detachment 3, 342nd Training Squadron. “It serves as a morale booster for them before the holidays. We have a lot of fun while still completing our physical fitness training objectives.” 

Dressed as elves, Santa and one as a fairy, the group began with three-count squats chanting “Ho!, Ho!, Ho!” 

 While doing calisthenics, they threw sand in the air to simulate snow and sung Christmas carols. 

 The TACP candidates did a run while pulling a Humvee, and also participated in a tug-of-war competition. The Airmen completed their PT session with memorial push-ups to honor TACPs and Air Liaison Officers, who lost their lives during conflict.  

“The reindeer run where we pulled the Humvee was my favorite part of the session this morning,” said 2nd Lt. Matthew Gilstad, 342nd TRS, Det. 3, Eagle 98 Flight class leader. 

Since the late 1990s, TACP candidates have participated in this holiday tradition to raise morale and camaraderie.  

“Normally after PT the candidates are beat down, but today they were more energetic, and they’re smiling,” said Master Sgt. Stephen Achey, 342nd TRS, Det. 3 operations superintendent.  

The holiday PT session marks the last few days of training before candidates go on a holiday break. They are scheduled to return to training Jan. 3.