Montana seven take on physically demanding PAST Published Aug. 1, 2008 By Staff Sgt Patrick D. Bergeron 368th Recruiting Squadron Butte, Mont. -- There are times when people wonder if they have what it takes to be in Air Force Special Operations. Seven young men from Montana took the challenge to test their fortitude July 26, and they found their answer to be a resounding yes. For most people, a normal Saturday morning consists of some breakfast and leisurely reading the local newspaper. Some people do not roll out of bed until noon. A good Saturday morning for the seven young men testing to join the elite ranks of Air Force Special Operations includes far more than what most people could do in an entire weekend. The seven men competed in the first 368th Recruiting Squadron Special Forces Physical Ability and Strength Test competition, sponsored by the Butte YMCA who awarded free memberships to those who earned the top three scores. The grueling test consisted of swimming two 20-meter underwater laps and a 500-meter freestyle timed lap, completing a 1.5-mile timed run, and doing a minimum number of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and flutter-kicks. "What is being done here today is great," said Col. James Wright, 720th Special Tactics Group flight surgeon. "This will help these young men get ready for technical training, where they will spend a lot of time and effort in the water, and this will help to keep their hearts and minds into it." It was easy to see how impressed family and friends were of their loved ones taking the challenge and giving nothing less than 100 percent of their effort. "I'm very proud of my son, not only that he is competing in this, but that he is joining the U.S. Air Force," said Perry Butcher, father of Devin Butcher, who scored first place. "I'm very proud of the choices he has made in life. He is a great kid who will do amazing things." Air Force combat controllers and pararescue jumpers work alongside Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs to secure landing and drop zones in hostile territory, then serve as certified air traffic controllers to facilitate further air, personnel and cargo drops. Pararescuemen, or PJs, perform combat search and rescue missions and are emergency trauma specialists on the battlefield. Tech. Sgt. Anthony Terrando, a 720th Special Tactics Group combat controller, officiated the event. The Iraq and Afghanistan veteran said he is continually impressed by the quality applicants Montana produces. The sergeant speaks with every applicant who chooses to enlist into pararescue or combat control, ensuring they have the tools necessary to complete the two-year school and to compete to rank at the top of their class. Montana is a vast state with many outdoor wilderness and adventure seekers who find special operations jobs appealing. The adrenaline junkies who apply for pararescue and combat control love the thought of jumping out of airplanes, scuba diving and rock climbing, and serving our great nation at the same time, said Sergeant Terrando. The event was the first of many 368th RCS Air Force Special Operations competitions planned to take place in Montana. The squadron's goal is to inform all Montana residents about the more than 140 different jobs the Air Force has to offer, including Special Forces. The "Montana seven" stepped up to the challenge not only serve to their country, but to land a job that will challenge them both mentally and physically. There were no losers in the event. The dedication demonstrated by the young men is a crucial characteristic of all future Air Force Airmen.