Wing to host 2010 Guardian Challenge

Published March 9, 2010
By 21st Space Wing Guardian Challenge Team committee

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Peterson will host the 2010 Guardian Challenge competition, Air Force Space Command's premier space and cyberspace competition, May 19 to 22.

According to Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, the event captures the essence of competition through rigorous evaluation and hones the team's skills.

"The members who compete in Guardian Challenge are the best-of-the-best - space, cyberspace, security forces, and communication professionals in Space Command," he said.

The 21st Space Wing hopes to expand its legacy of exceptional performance in this upcoming challenge.

"The 21st SW Guardian Challenge team is right on track preparing for the competition," said Maj. Penny Haspil, 21st Operations Group. "The space operations team has already completed its training and the security forces and communications teams are on target to complete their training milestones May 14 and March 11, respectively."

The tradition of Guardian Challenge began in 1967 when Strategic Air Command opened its first missile combat competition, nicknamed "Curtain Raiser." In 1969, the competition was renamed "Olympic Arena" and remained under that name for 24 years. The first year Guardian Challenge took place in 1994 was also the first time space operations were part of the competition. This year's Guardian Challenge marks another milestone for the competition with the integration of the cyber mission.

"Air Force Space Command's cyber numbered Air Force - the 24th AF - participation in Guardian Challenge showcases the commitment to the crucial cyber mission," Major Haspill said. "General Kehler has paired the 21st SW with the 67th Network Warfare Wing as "sister wings" to work together to ensure the new competitors have a successful and rewarding experience in their first Guardian Challenge."