AMARILLO. TEXAS -- Bullets were flying and security teams were on high alert today at Pantex...but not because of anything threatening.
Security teams from other nuclear and military sites are competing for the top spot in the "SPOTC", or "Security Protection Officer Team Competition."
It is intense competition on various course over a four day period. 19 security forces from the US and Canada are vying for the championship in this competition, designed to showcase and hon these forces skills.
For the Pantex Team, it's a chance to add to their previous 4 titles and since it's their first home field advantage in 11 years, they're hoping that gives them a leg up, according to SPOTC team leader, Jeff Climer.
"We have a home court advantage like any other team does," Climer said. "We know the facility, the wind especially and a lot of teams just aren't used to this, so it gives us a little advantage. It's on our home turf and we want to win."
Teams go through a variety of courses degined to test endurance and firearm proficiency and while the competition is fierce, the camaraderie between teams is stronger, says Climer.
"This thing is probably, about 95 percent or more are prior military so we're all affiliated here and there. Marines and the Army are here, but the camaraderie is the most important thing in this competition."
On Thursday, the Supeteam competition pits all the teams against each other as they run all the courses in one day, which usually determines the winner, and after coming in second place last year, Pantex expects to come away with the trophy and bragging rights this year.
"Second place is not good enough. There's a lot of good teams and they're competitors and we're all friends. It's a friendly competition. Everybody here is protecting the nation so we congratulate those that do win, but we're here to win, that's the goal," said Climer.
