Guardian Challenge under way

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) --  More than 150 competitors from throughout Air Force Space Command are being graded on their readiness and combat capabilities as part of Guardian Challenge here.  The competition runs Aug. 14 to 17.

"Guardian Challenge is all about raising the bar," said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander, of the competition to determine the top space and missile units in the Air Force.

The competitors sharpened their skills to get here, he said, and they will take what they learned this week back to those in their units who could not be here.

This year, space and missile competitions occurred at the command's respective bases, with the exception of security forces and helicopters. Teams already have competed for best missile crew, spacelift operations team, spacelift launch team,  space operations crew, missile maintenance team, missile communications team and space communications team.  Security forces are holding their competition in Colorado Springs this week. Helicopter crews competed at Camp Guernsey, Wyo., May 9-11. 

"Over the past several months, we have tested the skills of the best warriors Air Force Space Command has to offer to find out who truly is the best of the best," said Brig. Gen. Don Alston, AFSPC director of operations. 

Guardian Challenge also includes missile defense partners Canada and Great Britain, each having competitors participating this year.

Guardian Challenge culminates with the score posting and awards banquet at Peterson on Aug. 17.