Kirtland Space Force teams head to national space competition

Guardians and civilian teammates from the Guardian Arena teams pose for a group photo in front of Space Systems Command headquarters at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, Nov. 14, 2025. The teams will compete in the 2025 Guardian Arena, a competition that tests physical endurance, mental agility and operational readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Donnell Schroeter)

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Guardians, Airmen, and allied partners compete in physical and cognitive challenges during the third annual Guardian Arena at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., Dec. 8–9, 2025. The two-day event brought together 35 teams from across the U.S. Space Force and its mission partners to test readiness, teamwork, and the competitive spirit unique to the nation’s newest service. (U.S. Space Force Photo by John Ayre)

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Kirtland Space Force teams participate in national space competition

Published Dec. 8, 2025

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Two teams comprised of both United States Space Force Guardians and civilian employees from Kirtland Air Force Base competed in the 2025 Guardian Arena, Dec. 8–9 at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.

Designed to strengthen readiness, teamwork and the Guardian Spirit, Guardian Arena brought together Guardians, Airmen, government civilians and select joint-force partners from across the nation. Thirty‑five teams competed in operational scenario challenges, with the winning team crowned the 2025 Guardian Arena champion. The Space Force announced the top five teams at the close of the competition, and the overall winners will be recognized during the Space Force Association’s Space Power Conference 2025.

“It's an overall challenge, mentally and physically,” said Master Sgt. Bryton Roberto, Space Systems Command NCO in charge of Kirtland’s Guardian Arena assessment and competitor outreach. “Some competitors excel more in the physical events, while others are stronger in the mental challenges. It really shows what a well-rounded Guardian looks like, not just physical ability or knowledge alone.”

The Kirtland teams earned their spots after completing a rigorous installation-wide assessment that evaluated both mental precision and physical endurance. More than 260 personnel participated, but these six competitors distinguished themselves through courage, commitment and connection.

“These are the people who want self-improvement, who want challenge, who want to excel said Mark Taysom, Space Force Holistic Health and Performance director, who coached and worked closely with the team throughout their assessments. “That’s what character and commitment look like in the Space Force.”

As the six competitors went to represent Kirtland Air Force Base on the national stage, they carried not only the pride of their installation but also the spirit of every Guardian striving to grow, improve and lead. Their performance at the 2025 Guardian Arena highlighted both individual achievement and the strength of Kirtland’s Space Force mission set.