Fort Carson soldiers participate in Iron Horse Week
Soldiers and units from across Fort Carson are participating in ten grueling events known as Iron Horse week. It’s a friendly competition that celebrates the heritage of the 4th Infantry Division
“It’s going to test their mental, physical ability, toughness and also going to promote camaraderie and the spirit of competition,” said Eric Mitchell, CW2 Aviation Maintenance Officer.
Events include basketball, flag football, softball and ultimate Frisbee tournaments, a combatives tournament, combat swim, golf scramble, marksmanship, medical stakes and orienteering. Combat swim is considered one of the toughest challenges.
“This is probably the most grueling event we have. The teams prior to today only had to swim a half mile. Today, they have to swim a complete mile. Each person has to do four laps which consists of 1,600 meters total,” said Mitchell.
The soldiers face that challenge while in uniform and carrying a 45 pound rucksack. From the pool to the mats, they practice all kinds of techniques.
“This is combat right here. This is what they train for when they go out in the field,” said David Falls, fitness manager.
“You don’t get a chance to ever fight someone live. So you learn those first instincts and your reaction to duck and more,” said Shawn Pretat, combative instructor.
After the week-long event, one team will be awarded the 4th infantry division combative championship cup and their name will be added to a trophy. To get to the championship soldiers says it takes teamwork and preparing mentally.
“On day one, you’ll see people who are skeptical. Day two, when they actually get hit or kicked, it sets a light bulb and triggers off another part of them. By day three, you’ll see the best of them come out,” said Pretat.
Iron Horse week tests soldiers’ skills and gives them a taste of reality.
“This is what they do for a living. They’re not getting paid to be out here, these guys are out here because they love their country and love what they’re doing,” said Mitchell.
Iron Horse Week kicked off Monday, with Fort Carson units participating in a 3.5 mile installation run. Events wrap up, Aug. 4, with an awards ceremony honoring the competition champions and the presentation of the Commander’s Cup from 11 a.m. to noon at Pershing Field.
The ceremony is followed by a barbecue and a USO-sponsored performance from country singer Josh Turner at 3 p.m. Admission is free. Attendees can get in free by showing their Department of Defense ID card. For more information click here.
