Hard work, practice, time and some ice forms Incirlik's drill team Published Dec. 24, 2008 By Senior Airman Erica Stewart 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- "Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing. Like the first monkey shot into space," said Tyler Durden, the neo-luddite antagonist in Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Fight Club." Like Tyler Durden's underground fight club, rifle-flipping members of Incirlik's drill team have to sacrifice their time and body for something they're passionate about, only these elite members train to perform synchronized weapon maneuvers for Incirlik's personnel. "You can get hurt throwing weapons around, but with hard work, practice, time, and some ice, the outcome outweighs the bumps and bruises," said Staff Sergeant Ismeal Rodriguez, Incirlik Honor Guard assistant noncommissioned officer in-charge. "In the end, we put on a great performance that showcases our hard work, teamwork and pure awesomeness." Incirlik's drill team's "awesomeness" derives from dedication beyond their personal and professional limitations. "The drill team meets three times a week after duty hours in two hour increments" said Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg, Incirlik's honor guard noncommissioned officer in-charge. "On top of the weekly practice required by our contract and the drills we learn there, we do things our body has never done before." This four person drill team practices over eight hours a week to learn synchronized rifle movements. "Throwing a 15 pound rifle makes your hands, wrists, fingers, elbows, back - and everything else hurt at first," said Sergeant Rodriguez. Incirlik's honor guard is always looking within for the best of their best. "Anyone honor guard member can join but you must have excellent military bearing, responsibility and be able to get over the fear of hitting yourself in the face with a 15 pound rifle," said Sergeant Lichtenberg. Like Tyler Durden's rationality in Fight Club, "be like a monkey, ready to be shot into space. Space monkey! Ready to sacrifice himself for the greater good," These dedicated drill team members are ready to go above and beyond to showcase traditional military training and encourage moral at the same time. "We do this on our own time because its challenging, builds esprit de corps, pride and ownership in service," said Sergeant Lichtenberg. For more information about Incirlik's Honor Guard or drill team, call 676- 6491.