CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Service members with the Joint Logistics Task Force 7 competed in a three-day Truck Rodeo on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 13 to 16.

The JLTF 7, an active duty transportation battalion out of Fort Bragg, N.C., currently serving under 1st Sustainment Brigade, coordinated the rodeo which challenged soldiers and airmen to demonstrate their driving and tire-changing skills at various working stations. Service members competed under strict timed events while graders identified who was the quickest, safest and most accurate at each station.

Specifically, the stations included maneuvering vehicles like the 14-ton M915 tractor-trailer truck and the Caiman mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. Additionally, teams of drivers and mechanics were tested on forklift operations, parallel-parking, backing, docking and changing the tires on the large vehicles.

The truck rodeo provided service members within JLTF 7 a chance to build camaraderie while testing their transportation skills. It also allowed soldiers and airmen the opportunity to break away from the repetitive schedule of driving convoy missions into Iraq.

“We’re getting a break from the everyday norm,” said Airman 1st Class Tyler Mullanix, vehicle operator, 424th Medium Truck Detachment. “We get to see these guys on the road all the time so it’s kind of different to see them relaxing and having fun.”

Sgt. 1st Class David E. Williams, truck master, and Sgt. 1st Class Jermaine R. Brown, future operations non-commissioned officer, combined with the effort of all truck masters within the task force, planned and coordinated the event.

“It’s a point base competition to see how you perform on different aspects,” said Mullanix, a Nebraska native. “It’s testing knowledge of your vehicle and how well you can handle it.”

“It’s basic skills, but you’re held at a higher standard because it’s competitive,” said Williams. “The good thing about this whole thing is the soldiers are really motivated.”

Service members within JLTF 7 in the rank of staff sergeant and below were able to enter the competition while senior noncommissioned officers graded the teams.

Williams, a 17-year veteran, said each team was graded on driving ability, backing, efficiency, safety and overall performance.

“You’re timed on who can do it better without any safety violations and hitting cones,” said Williams.

Mullanix, a four-year veteran serving on his first deployment, said the most difficult task for competitors was the docking event.

“Probably one of the hardest things is docking because you can’t see,” said Mullanix. “Basically, you’re backing up to a loading dock, you come in at a 45 degree angle and you have to be careful so you don’t hit the dock with your trailer.”

Mullanix said he found the truck rodeo beneficial because he was able to see how other people accomplished their tasks versus how he did it. He said the change of pace was good and it sharpened his skills.

Williams added the event allowed service members to see what they need to improve on and to see how their peers operate. He also said soldiers get to interact with each other, which builds esprit de corps.

In addition to the professional and morale benefits, the winning team of each event as well as the winner of the overall truck rodeo received a plaque, as well as bragging rights throughout the task force.

The truck rodeo overall winners were Spc. Noe Rivera-Cardoza, Sgt. Joseph Campus and Staff Sgt. Matthew Eversole.