CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Wing hosted the 16th annual Medic Rodeo at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, from May 12–15, 2025. Eighteen teams from across the Air Force traveled to the Steadfast Line to participate in several days of training scenarios.
This initiative is designed to ensure the U.S. Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) remains prepared to support current operations and counter emerging threats across multiple domains. During the rodeo, medics demonstrate proficiency in 52 core medical skills, many of which are essential for providing clinical support in deployed environments to care for wounded and injured personnel. The skills include performing universal precaution principles of infection control, checking vital signs, wound management and respiratory care.
“One of the big messages from Air Force leaders is that we need to be very agile and that we’ve got to make great decisions,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Danielle Cermak, 27th Special Operations Medical Group commander.
Training scenarios were conducted at the Cannon Permanent Exercise Facility and Melrose Air Force Range, where teams were evaluated on a variety of exercises incorporating the full spectrum of medical cross-utilization skills. Participants provided care for simulated victims with injuries ranging from impalement to respiratory distress.
For the first time, this year’s event included the Air Force Special Operations Command Mission Sustainment Team, who not only provided security for the medics but also completed their force protection training. Deployed scenarios were divided into three segments aligned with the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) phases: care under fire, tactical field care and prolonged field care.
“Medic Rodeo is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the vital roles medics play in deployed environments,” said Lt. Col. Danyell Lambert, AFSOC Command Nurse.
After two days of challenges, all teams competed in the Air Commando Challenge, a relay event that included mannequin drags, TCCC, and various physical training events.
Following the main competition, participants faced one final test: a mass casualty exercise. Designed to evaluate how teams collaborate under pressure, the scenario featured simulated active shooters, explosions, and nearly 50 casualties who received extensive care including TCCC, treatment for their wounds, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
During the closing ceremony, the top teams were recognized: the 711th Human Performance Wing from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio claimed first place, the 60th Medical Group from Travis Air Force Base, California came in second and 86th Medical Group from Ramstein, Germany took third.
“The preparation was evident as the medics demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork—qualities that directly enhance our confidence in their ability to provide care in harm’s way,” said Lambert.
U.S. Navy and U.S. Army service members also participated as cadre, offering insights from their unique service perspectives and reinforcing the importance of joint operations.
Originally conceived in 2007 as the Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo, the event has since evolved into a comprehensive showcase of medical readiness and excellence. Today, the Medic Rodeo represents an annual opportunity for teams from around the globe to demonstrate their capabilities in austere and dynamic environments. It reflects the Air Force’s commitment to organizing, training and equipping ready medics.
Learn more about Medic Rodeo here.