21st SFS prepare for Guardian Challenge Published May 18, 2010 By Capt. Jesse Johnson 21st Force Support Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Imagine running miles up and down mountains with a full backpack, followed by sets of pull-ups, push-ups, abdominal exercises, and heaving kettle bells around. Then, running up and down long flights of stairs, pulling and pushing heavy objects or rock climbing, in order to finish the work out right. For the 21st Security Forces Guardian Challenge team, this is just another day of training. The physical training is only one part of the training the team has undergone preparing for the security forces Guardian Challenge portion of the competition held at the U.S. Air Force Academy May 17 to 19. The team of four also practices firing weapons in different positions and tactical maneuvering in full gear to simulate real-world scenarios, scenarios being evaluated as part of the Guardian Challenge competition. "Putting the gear on and maneuvering is PT in itself," said Master Sgt. Frank Green, 21st Security Forces Squadron Guardian Challenge team lead. Sergeant Green devised the team's PT regimen for a specific purpose. "The intent was not to create cross country runners, weight lifters, or anything like that, but to be well rounded with good functional strength," the security forces team lead said. "My personal take on physical training is that a war fighter needs to train for speed, strength, stamina and agility. So of course I brought that to our PT regimen." The Air Force has forged the same mentality of having Airmen well-rounded in physical fitness and health. Beginning July 1, the Air Force's anticipated new fitness standards will be implemented. The new standards will require Airmen to test semi-annually in aerobic, waist circumference, push-ups, and sit-ups components. The goal of the Air Force is to foster a culture where Airmen live a year-round healthy lifestyle of healthy eating and physical conditioning. 1st Lt. Richard Cheng, who has overseen the Guardian Challenge preparation for the 21st SFS team, has seen this culture embodied by the team. "The Airmen who are on this team are the types that PT on a daily basis," Lieutenant Cheng said. "They all came here to the team strong and in good condition, though they have got in really good condition preparing for the competition." The Guardian Challenge competition concludes May 21 with an awards banquet in Hangar 140.