OUR HISTORY

For more than 40 years the Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo has been known by many names Combat Airlift Competition, Volant Rodeo, Tactical Rodeo, and Airlift Rodeo, but the purpose behind these competitions hasn't, Airlift readiness.  This competition focuses on improving our worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities. 

Rodeo showcases airdrop, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, security forces competition, short field landings and related ground operations, and provides an opportunity for the world's best aerial refuelers and airlifters to demonstrate capabilities, improve procedures, compare notes, and enhance standardization for worldwide operations. It generates enthusiasm among team members representing more than 100 teams from the active duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units as well as Allied Nations.  RODEO enhances esprit de corps and positive relations among the participants.

The first command-wide airdrop competition was held at Scott AFB in April 1962 as a combat skills competition designed to develop and improve techniques/procedures while enhancing air mobility operations, and promoting esprit de corps. The annual events were cancelled in the mid to late 1960s due to operational commitments in Southeast Asia and again in the 1970s because of declining budgets and decreased emphasis on airdrop capabilities. In 1979, Rodeo was reinstated and in 1980 expanded to include international air mobility Teams. Rodeo tests the flight and ground skills of aircrews as well as the related skills of special tactics, security forces, aerial port operations, aeromedical evacuation, and maintenance team members. It also provides valuable joint and combined training for all participants.

An important long-term benefit is increased cooperation between air mobility forces from several nations. Collectively, the ultimate goal of the competition is to develop and improve techniques and procedures that enhance air mobility operations. Spirited competition furthers that aim, while strengthening the mutual goals and bonds of friendship developed between competing teams.

Previous competitions have attracted up to 2,500 competitors. Although not designed as spectator events, Rodeo attracts commanders, distinguished visitors, and civic leaders from around the world to support their teams. In addition, several countries send crews to observe, but not compete in the events. 

In 1994 McChord was selected as the new home for the Rodeo hosing the event in 1994, 1996, and 1998. The 2000 Air Mobility Rodeo was held at Pope AFB NC during the 62d AW conversion the C-17. AMC support for the war on terrorism resulted in a significant increase in the operations tempo, making it impractical to convene Rodeo in 2002 and 2004 as originally planned. In 2004 AMC officials felt the time was right to resume the competition that had been on a three-year hiatus. The newly named Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo will once again call McChord home in 2005. 

McChord units have fared well in the competition over the years. In the mid 60’s a team from McChord flying C-124’s won the wings first championship. Since 1979 teams from  62d and 446th have taken home many first place trophies in the C-141 and C-130. McChord’s Reserve unit, the 446th MAW (AW) has won the C-141 Top Team award three times since 1979 and won all C-141 trophies awarded in 1986. In 1992 the 446th was name as the top Team in that years competition.  

The 62d and 446th closed out the C-141 era by winning the C-141 Top Team Trophy in 1998 (62d AW) and in 2000 (446th AW) which was also the first time teams from the 62d and 446th competed in C-17 Globemaster II.  

In June 2005 the Airlift Rodeo will once again call McChord home. The event was After a three-year hiatus following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks leaders of AMC and U.S. Transportation Command, determined it was time to resume the competition, which was last held in 2000 at Pope AFB, N.C.