Desert Showdown: AFMC teams forge readiness, resilience at Edwards AFB Published April 24, 2025 By Air Force Test Center Air Force Test Center EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The unforgiving Mojave Desert set the stage for the 412th Medical Group’s inaugural “Desert Showdown,” a first responder-centric obstacle course designed to push teams to their limits both mentally and physically was held April 10 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. More than just a competition, the event was a deliberate and inspiring demonstration of the Air Force Test Center’s enduring principles: world-class risk management, adaptive test solutions, and a relentless focus on the warfighter. The Desert Showdown invited four-person teams from across Edwards to tackle a one-mile, multi-domain obstacle course rooted in Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Basic Life Support. Demanding more than strength, the event called for resilience, problem-solving, and seamless teamwork, all under the pressure of a contested, simulated combat environment. “The vision behind this event was simple,” said Capt. Justin Thames, 412th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron clinical nurse for flight medicine, one of the event organizers. “We wanted to create an experience where real-world medical and survival skills are tested under conditions that mirror the physical and mental stress our warfighters face on the battlefield.” In doing so, the Desert Showdown embodied AFTC’s commitment to developing adaptable, combat-ready Airmen and Guardians, whose capabilities extend beyond the testing range and into future fight scenarios. By incorporating collaboration across units such as Security Forces, Fire, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and medical teams, Desert Showdown exemplified AFTC’s culture of adaptive test solutions. “Creativity and teamwork transform existing training tools and rugged terrain into a high-impact readiness event, all without significant new resource demands,” said Thames. The scenario-driven format required participants to treat casualties, navigate obstacles, and apply critical medical interventions under simulated combat stress, offering a true test of operational readiness. Beyond sharpening skills, the event strengthened the bonds that underpin unit cohesion. Airman 1st Class Ivan Lau, 812th Civil Engineering Squadron, EOD journeyman, shared that the most rewarding part of the third place winning EOD team, “was seeing our brother and sister units getting after it. Events like this show we’re not alone in our preparation for the future fight.” Opening the event to both military and civilian responders highlighted AFTC’s broader mission of fostering collaboration across organizations and communities. “Whether it’s a natural disaster or an imminent threat,” said Senior Master Sgt. Angelica Ramirez, 412th MDG senior enlisted leader, “we can prepare now to be ready for tomorrow.” This mindset emphasizes the Center’s commitment to world-class risk management, ensuring readiness for any challenge through proactive, hands-on training. The Desert Showdown’s success wasn’t just measured in minutes or completed checkpoints, but in the lessons learned, the confidence gained, and the relationships built. These critical ingredients advance the enterprise’s mission of delivering the best combat systems to the warfighter. “When these Airmen, Soldiers, and first responders are tested in real life, they will know they are ready to execute the mission,” said Col. Mary Carnduff, 412th MDG commander. Events like the Desert Showdown embody the AFTC’s principles not only by developing technical excellence but by reinforcing the character, resilience and teamwork that define the warrior ethos. As the 412th Test Wing looks forward to expanding the event in future years, the message is clear: readiness is not a destination, it’s a mindset, built one challenge at a time.