JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson “Arctic Diamonds” are hosting the “Dirty Dozen” Aug. 30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Hillberg Ski Area at JBER, Alaska.

“The first sergeants’ “Dirty Dozen” is a team-building exercise which tests the team’s abilities in physical and intellectual challenges designed around the resiliency pillars of the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Jukes, first sergeant with the 773d Logistics Readiness Squadron.

“Teams of four will compete against each other, completing a land navigation course successfully, and then a dozen challenges, all while being timed,” Jukes said.

Part of the challenges include tire flips, cable carries, truck pushes and pulls, a push-up contest, and a math challenge.

These competitions have a huge impact in the community.

“Events like this one are important to the JBER community because they show we have members within each unit who can come together as a team and overcome certain challenges both physically and mentally,” said Jukes.

Communal activities build bonds and strengthen morale.

“As a community, you need to reach out to members you can rely on in times of difficulty,” he said. “That’s part of your resiliency, having that interaction, and doing competitions as a team helps built that trust.”

The event has become an annual draw for several participants.

“I have done the dirty dozen three times now, it is a fun and great experience,” said Senior Airman Renna Brakefield, a military justice paralegal assigned to the 673d Air Base Wing Judge Advocate.

“It is a great team-building exercise and morale builder,” Brakefield said. “Each challenge is going to be hard, you’re going to struggle, but with the help of your team you will overcome it.”

Jukes urges people to reserve a small amount of the day to get together with three friends and participate.

The first sergeants created the event four years ago with an average of 100 people signing up each year.

The cost, $100 per team, includes lunch and a T-shirt; prizes will be awarded for various categories of winners.

For all those who are interested in participating, the last day to sign up is Aug. 29; to participate, contact your first sergeant.