THE CHALLENGE• 500 meter swim: 14-minute time limit, 30-minute rest• 1.5 mile run: 10:45-time limit, 10-minute rest• Six pull-ups: Two-minute time limit, three minutes rest• 45 sit-ups: Two-minute time limit, three minutes rest• 45 push-ups: Two-minute time limitSource: YMCA/Air Force Spec Ops Challenge
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — For anyone who ever wondered how hard it is to be in a military special operations unit, the U.S. Air Force and the Cleveland Family YMCA have an answer.
On Oct. 15 at 8 a.m., the YMCA/Air Force Spec Ops Challenge is open to everyone over age 16, regardless of gender or fitness level.
It’s a fun fundraiser and the $25 entry fee goes entirely to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
The foundation provides college scholarships, financial aid and education counseling to the children of fallen warriors. Founded in 1980, its services are available to families of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations units, including Army Rangers and Special Forces, Navy SEALs and Air Force Combat Controllers and Special Tactics.
The challenge is open to residents across the region, said Rodney Murray, senior program director of the Cleveland Family Branch of the Chattanooga Metropolitan YMCA.
“We have some 40-somethings who work out here and say they’re in the best shape of their lives,” Murray said. “We already have several females registered too. It’s a chance to push yourself and have fun.”
The challenge is based on the Air Force P.A.S.T. (Physical Ability and Stamina Test), said Technical Sgt. Adam Burgner. The times and benchmarks for the test are very close to the entry requirements for the Air Force’s special operations programs.
“This is the first time we have done this in Cleveland,” Burgner said.
“A lot of people who go into the Y ask about our banner,” he said, referring to the large sign in the indoor swim area advertising that the Cleveland YMCA is an official test site for people thinking about signing up for special ops.
Registration and information are available at the Air Force recruiting office in Cleveland, 423-476-7025, or the Cleveland Family YMCA, 423-476-5573.