Security forces Airmen compete in Global Strike Challenge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Charlie Fire Team trophy is at stake as Airmen from Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Force Reserve brought their units' top security forces members here this week to compete head-to-head in Global Strike Challenge.

The Charlie Fire Team Trophy recognizes the security forces best of the best through competition. Portions of the competition took place at Fort Polk and Camp Minden, La., with the culminating security forces events taking place on Barksdale's East Reservation Monday.

"I have never felt that exhausted," said Staff Sgt. Cole Magin, 90th Security Forces Squadron from F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.  "Running in the gas mask was very difficult. We have trained extremely hard for this competition. We performed really well."

"Competitors must be at their best," said Master Sgt. Curtis Williams, of Barksdale's 2nd Security Forces Squadron. "Individual skills are important, but they all must work together, as two-thirds of the competition requires them to complete tasks as a team."

The events tested tactics, techniques and procedures; firing M4, M9, M203 and M240B weapons; protection of Air Force assets; and a mental and physical challenge course where the teams completed a multitude of mental tests, while enduring strenuous physical activities and combat skills evaluations including reconnaissance, map and compass use, operation in chemically contaminated environments, and battlefield medical care.

Individual movement techniques came with a twist -- Sunday's and Monday's mud and rain.

"I am extremely proud of these Airmen; they showed heart and pulled together," said Lt. Col. Travis Harsha, 5th Security Forces Squadron commander from Minot AFB, N.D. "The events showcased individual talent and the ability to work together, and the Minot AFB team did just that."

Team members prepared for more than a month before coming to Louisiana and wrapped up their competitions as the teams trucked through the mud while fellow Airmen cheered them on through the finish line.

Ten security forces teams from Barksdale; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; F.E. Warren AFB; Whiteman AFB Mo.; Minot; Dyess AFB, Texas, and Ellsworth AFB, S.D., participated.

Results of the security forces competition -- and winner of the coveted Charlie Fire Team trophy -- will be announced during the Global Strike Challenge score-posting event Nov. 17 at Barksdale's Hoban Hall.