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Global Strike Challenge 2021

  • Published
  • By A1C Saomy Sabournin
  • 5th BW Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The objective of the Global Strike Challenge is to showcase the abilities of the world’s premier bomber and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile forces; as well as helicopter and security forces operations. Units at Minot Air Force Base are competing with others across Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Commands and the Air National Guard.
 
The Global Strike Challenge complements the Air Force’s heritage of competition and recognizes the “best of the best” in weapons systems and security operations.
 
“The Global Strike Challenge is meant to promote competition and spread the best practices throughout the Command,” said Capt. Alton Clifford, 91st Missile Wing project officer. “It’s important because we want our members to get experience in what they’re doing and become experts.”
 
Air Force Global Strike Command honors its lineage of Strategic Air Command’s bomber, weapons loading and missile competitions but launches a new tradition by including operations, maintenance and security forces participants from both missile and bomber communities. 
The competition occurs every other year and teams have the opportunity to participate in events that require teamwork and innovative skills that are essential to the AFGSC mission. The teams compete at both their home bases and designated competition sites throughout the summer.
 
“If we’re on a team and we’re not talking to each other and communicating, we’re going to fail,” said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher McCauley, 5th Bomb Wing project officer. “Making sure there’s crew integrity is very huge and the evaluators can pick up on that very  easily.”
 
Team Minot is looking forward to seeing the results of their efforts and showcasing their dedication to the mission. In 2019, Team Minot took first place in nine categories that included Best ICBM Missile Handling Team, Best Helicopter Squadron, Best Bomb Wing Nuclear Munitions Maintenance Team and the Barksdale Trophy for best community support for an AFGSC base.