CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – A select group of Marines, soldiers and sailors gathered aboard Camp Ramadi to compete in the Fireman’s Challenge, April 19, 2009. The Camp Ramadi Firefighters organized the event, utilizing their equipment to make up much of the course. During this competition, troops tested their strength and endurance as they ran from station to station executing different tasks. In a relay fashion, eight-man team raced for time while overcoming various obstacles mimicking an actual fireman’s training course. Though there were no burning buildings, competitors hacked at wood, ran with fire hoses and unleashed a high-pressure stream of water at targets before dragging a “victim” 100 yards to stop the clock. The competing teams then found themselves staring into the grill of an MRAP vehicle, as they prepared for what some considered the most challenging task: the MRAP pull. Monitors added up accumulated times to determine the winners. Grills were fired up and the winners were announced during a post-challenge barbeque.