Alpha Warriors compete with ‘Doom’

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Abigail Klein
  • 931st Air Refueling Wing
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Alpha Warrior Air Force Tour recently visited Team McConnell and one Citizen Airmen and former “American Ninja Warrior” competitor decided it was another opportunity to take his fitness to the next level.

Maj. Brian Doom, 931st Operations Support Squadron Chief of Current Operations, has continued his well-rounded fitness routine that he began to qualify and compete for “American Ninja Warrior” last year. Doom also competed for the show this Spring.

“I try to work out as much as possible,” said Doom. “I use the monkey bars on base to work on swing-style obstacles, and I frequent a rock climbing gym to work on my grip strength.”

This made Doom confident to compete in the Alpha Warrior Air Force Tour. The tour visits Air Force installations across the country and challenges participants with events that bring a different approach to fitness.

“I've known about Alpha Warrior for a while now and I'm so glad they are working with the Air Force,” Doom said. “I know Alpha Warrior has a great setup and I know it will make me stronger for American Ninja Warrior.”

The main event was a competition featuring a timed obstacle course set up in the Dole Center Ballroom. The layout was similar to obstacle courses featured on “American Ninja Warrior,” without the water, Doom said.

Rebekah Bonilla, American Ninja Warrior and Alpha Warrior Air Force Tour member, explains that the competition portion of the tour is important for all servicemembers.

“I see extreme value in obstacle training for our U.S. Armed Forces," said Bonilla. “It introduces the need for adaptability, for agility and even creativity because [servicemembers] will be in all kinds of situations. Developing those skills to be able to just adapt in the moment with that functional aspect of fitness is just crucial.”

When the day of the competition arrived, Doom completed the obstacle course with the fastest time at one minute and 10 seconds. Unfortunately, he was disqualified due to how he climbed the course’s final ladder. Despite the loss, Doom is optimistic about continuing to try out a third time next year for “American Ninja Warrior.” This is mainly because he really enjoys it, and also for his kids.

“My kids have been a huge part of this journey with me, in fact, they were the ones who inspired me to try out for the show,” said Doom.