Guardian Challenge season begins now

Published Jan. 29, 2010
By 1st. Lt. Jonathan D. Simmons
Peterson Air Force Base

Jan. 29, 2010 -- Every two years Air Force Space Command hosts Guardian Challenge, the premier space and cyberspace competition in the world.

"I'm excited about Guardian Challenge this year," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, AFSPC commander. "The GC season is a prime opportunity for the best of the best in Air Force Space Command to represent their wings and demonstrate their skills." Guardian Challenge competition events at various locations span from March 1 to May 19, but the preparations for GC form a season that begins now.

Culmination events and an awards ceremony will take place at Peterson AFB, Colo. in May.

Teams from nine wings and one center, including newly added Air National Guard units, will be a part of GC 2010 competition events.

Unlike GCs of the past, 2010's competition will include cyberspace forces for the first time, while the missile forces newly transitioned to Air Force Global Strike Command will not participate.

But it's not only the competitors that allow Guardian Challenge to be successful; behind the scenes volunteers play a large role as well, according to a 45th Space Wing officer well-versed in the competition.

"As the premier Air Force Space Command competition, Guardian Challenge provides a stage to recognize and showcase the talented men and women of the 45 Space Wing," said Maj. Eric Yarrell, 45th Operations Support Squadron, who serves as the 45th Space Wing Guardian Challenge Lead. "The entire wing is involved and it takes each and every volunteer working behind the scenes to ensure mission success. GC also serves to further enhance the wingman program, as people from across the wing form new friendships while serving on various GC Committees. I have no doubt the mission and the people of the 45th Space Wing benefit from this experience."

It's the collaboration and team work from Guardian Challenge that will carry into daily operations and the war fighting effort.

"I am highly excited to help plan and execute the various support functions for this year's Guardian Challenge," said 1st Lt. Jonathan Semple, Guardian Challenge Medical Group point of contact. "Everyone in the 45th Space Wing contributes to the success of our Guardian Challenge team and it's an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our Wing's premier space abilities."