'Prime BEEF' puts members to test

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sandra Welch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  For the second time 56th Civil Engineer Squadron members had a day to play in the mud while preparing for deployment.

The Prime Base Expeditionary Emergency Force challenge, or Prime BEEF, is an annual event held at the ability to survive and operate area that puts CE members to the test. From fire and emergency services to power production, the challenge involves every aspect of the civil engineer career field.

"Prime BEEF is a great way to enhance the skills of all CE members, said Tech. Sgt Robert Dwayer, 56th CES Prime BEEF manager. "Because each team contains members of different crafts throughout the squadron, it gave everyone a chance to experience aspects of each other's job."

Not only does it help CE understand each other's job, it also increases members' leadership capabilities.

"We purposely mixed different craftsman together to form well-rounded teams," Dwayer said. "However, if a craftsman came to an obstacle that they specialized in they weren't allowed to compete but instead took the lead to help the team. That led each member to develop leadership and followership qualities."

The average time for teams to finish was an hour-and-a-half. The teams were separated into two tempo bands with five teams in each band. Tempo band E2 finished first.

"CE is great, one of the best Air Force specialty codes," said 2nd Lt. Brad Shields, 56th CES commander's executive. "We work hard but play hard too."

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