Best Afghan commando competition held

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. forces in Afghanistan recently held a best commando competition in a training initiative for the Afghan National Army.

Officials say more than 190 Afghan National Army commandos competed in the event designed to test the mental and physical abilities, determination and endurance of the Afghan troops. Participants, in full uniform and with 40 pounds of body armor, competed in timed first aid, communications, weapons and fitness challenges, the Combined Joint Task Force-82 reported.

"This friendly competition helps build morale and develop skills and unit cohesion," Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman, said in a statement.

The competition tested troops on their ability to properly tie a tourniquet. They also had to assemble and program a field radio. The Afghan commandos also had to reassemble a field rifle and hit targets on a firing range.

Before the competitors finished the mile-long course, they had to push a 4,500-pound pickup truck about 50 feet before a final pull-up challenge on the pull-up bars.

"This competition was good for the mind and the body," an Afghan National Army commando sergeant said.