Global Strike Challenge underway

  • Published
  • By Carla Pampe
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Teams from across Air Force Global Strike Command, including the 377th Security Forces Squadron, are competing in the second-annual Global Strike Challenge.

Operations, maintenance and security forces teams from bomber and missile wings will compete to be named best-of-the-best. All units supporting the AFGSC mission have been invited to compete through November, showcasing their expertise, skill and capabilities. The competition began in June. The 377th Security Forces Squadron is scheduled compete at Barksdale AFB, La., Nov. 5 to 7.

"Global Strike Challenge reflects our emphasis on excellence," said Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, Air Force Global Strike Command commander. "Additionally, this competition helps develop elite, highly disciplined Airmen, builds esprit de corps and gives us an opportunity to recognize the 'cream of the crop' Airmen performing our mission."

More than 450 Airmen will take part in Global Strike Challenge competitions at various locations throughout the country, culminating in a symposium and score posting event at Barksdale in November.

"We are really excited about this year's competition," said Lt. Col. Mike Petrosh, Global Strike Challenge command lead. "We learned a lot from our first competition last year, and we're taking what we've learned to make this year's event even better."

One change from last year i s an expanded focus for the Global Strike Challenge technology symposium, which brings experts throughout the military and industry to share ideas and innovations.

As the command looks to strike a balance between the nuclear and conventional missions in the Air Force, this year's symposium will reflect that focus.

"The scope of this year's symposium has been broadened to include the conventional mission," Petrosh said. "The conventional mission is one that our bomber units perform on a regular basis, so we wanted to bring in speakers that could talk to that mission area."

In addition to a broader focus, this year's competition will include a new event-helicopter operations with helicopter units from each missile wing participating.

"The helos play an important role in supporting the ICBM mission, so we wanted to be sure to include them in the competition," Petrosh said.

The competition, includes competitors from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale, the 49th Test Squadron at Barksdale, the 340th Weapons School at Barksdale, the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo.