USAG Stuttgart hosts fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge

Photo By Balmina Sehra | A firefighter charges a hose line to hit a target at the fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge on Aug. 15, 2026, on Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany. The event brought together more than 80 firefighters from local German fire departments and U.S. Army garrisons across Europe to build partnerships and test core skills needed on a real emergency scene. Participants have two minutes to complete a five-part physical test that includes a five-story tower climb, hoisting a hose, an obstacle smash, hitting a target, and a 200-pound dummy drag. USAG Stuttgart serves as the Department of War’s premier overseas command and control platform, hosting two Unified Combatant Commands and three Service Component Commands across five installations. U.S. Army photo by Balmina Sehra  

BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY

08.15.2026

Story by Margarita Cambest 

U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart

BÖBLINGEN, Germany—More than 80 firefighters gathered from around Germany to test their firefighting skills at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart's fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge Aug. 15 on Panzer Kaserne. The five-part physical test known as the "toughest two minutes in sports" brings together local German host-nation fire departments and U.S. Army garrison teams from across Europe to build partnership and test core skills.

Participants have two minutes to climb a five-story tower carrying a hose pack, hoist the hose to the top of the tower, smash and drive an obstacle with a hammer, extend a charged hose line and hit a target, and drag a 200-pound rescue dummy across the finish line.

“The course tests the core skills needed on a real emergency scene,” USAG Stuttgart Fire Chief Michael Ambacher said. “Having U.S. and German firefighters compete together highlights the strong partnership and shared readiness of our departments.”

For the second year in a row, USAG Stuttgart Garrison Commander Col. Edward J. Sanford donned a full firefighting kit to tackle the challenge and show camaraderie with first responders. As part of a four-person tandem challenge, Sanford, Lt. Col Daniel Jimenez, Master Sgt. Carlos Boggs and Ambacher, each had to complete one of the five-parts.

"This challenge is famously called the 'toughest two minutes in sports' for a reason,” Sanford said. “Participating is my way of showing absolute support for the elite professionals who protect our families daily, both on and off the installation."

Demonstrating that no obstacle is too difficult to overcome, all participants completed the challenge in full gear despite the 90-degree heat.

“Every firefighter who stepped onto the course today showed the dedication it takes to protect our communities, and having our garrison leadership run the course right alongside us means a great deal to the entire department,” Ambacher said.









The Winners

Athletes’ Category

David Probst 01:26:24

Alexander Sader 01:38:63

Tim Schaffert 01:40:87



Men's Category

Christian Bradler 01:56:20

Christoph Wolfinger 01:57:25

Sascha. Rentschler 02:14:55



Women's Category

Anja Ludwig 03:11:05

Tors Werbke 03:22:41

Anna Köllner 03:46:67



Tandem Category

Fire Department Konstanz Friedrichshafen: Tim Schaffert and Robin Winter 01:28:03

Toughest Firefighter Alive Team Berlin: Martin Erbe and Mike Weikamm 01:28:55

Red Lions: Ralf Herb and Rares Schuster 01:32:67



Relay Category

Toughest Firefighter Alive Team Berlin

Firefighters Bremm

Team Bodensee

• Date Taken: 08.15.2026
• Date Posted: 08.18.2026 10:21
• Story ID: 572638
• Location: BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, DE