FRIDAY FOTO (Oct. 1, 2010) Updated

End of the Road

(Defense Dep. photo by Benjamin Faske)

Who are these people and why are they running and shouting? This week’s FRIDAY FOTO shows two military policemen from Fort Richardson, Alaska being cheered on as they run toward the finish line of the 13-mile road march, the final event in the 14th Annual Military Police Warfighter Challenge.

The challenge, held last month at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., brings together MP units from throughout the Army to determine who is the best in their field.  The four-day event includes 11 grueling challenges ranging from marksmanship and a team obstacle course to a lengthy written exam and the final endurance march. All crammed in to 72 hours. Get the details here.

The winning team from the 385th MP Battalion from Fort Stewart, Georgia consisted of Staff Sgt. Adam Norton and Specialists Gene Thompson and Joseph Kajer.  “It’s a test of endurance, physically and mentally, so it’s a huge accomplishment just to finish,” said Regimental Command Sgt. Major Charles Kirkland of the Army’s Military Police School.

Of the 36 teams that competed, only 22 finished intact. Eight finished a man short and five had to drop out.

To see a slide show of the competition, click here.

For additional photos on Facebook, click here.

To view a three-minute-video, click here (turn down the volume, the soundtrack music is kinda LOUD.)