2 SFS Airmen Gear up for Global Strike Challenge

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La, Aug. 31, 2011 — Imagine being face down in the cold, sloppy mud, dragging your tired, aching body under a field of barbed wire, the shouts of encouragement from teammates drowned out by the booms and blasts of simulated gunfire.

For certain members of the Barksdale 2nd Security Forces Squadron, who carry about 40 pounds of flak vests, helmets, gas masks, ammunition and weapons through the scenario--this situation will soon become reality as tryouts to select team members for the 2011 Air Force Global Strike Challenge begin Aug. 24.

"Making the team sets Airmen apart from their peers," said Daniel Hart, 2 SFS Training Section and coach of the 2011 2SFS Global Strike Challenge team. "They will compete against the best Air Force Global Strike Command has to offer."

During the competition, security forces teams from each of the AFGSC bases will compete in marksmanship on the M-4, M-9, M-240 and M-203 weapons systems, combat tactics and priority resource defense and the mental and physical challenge event.

"This year, around 14 Airmen are trying out for the team," Hart said. "Only seven will make the final cut. Two members must be first-term Airmen and one individual must be an E-6 or higher."

Tryouts are going to consist of various fitness tests, weapons firing, land navigation and various tactical evaluations, Hart added.

In order to make the team, Airmen must excel in physical fitness, marksmanship and competitive spirit, which didn't seem to be lacking in the Airmen trying out for the team.

"I want to prove to AFGSC that Barksdale is the best base within the command," said Airman 1st Class Dustin Gallimore, 2 SFS. "I have friends at other bases that are in this competition, and I want to beat them!"

However, being individually strong and skilled is not enough to get the 2 SFS through the challenge, Hart said.

The Airmen must also be able to train, work and compete together as a team.

"You have to be able to completely rely on your teammates," said Hart. "Most of the events are team effort, and no individual can pull the team to victory. It will take everyone to succeed."

"Teamwork is essential to the success of this year's team," said 2nd Lt. Duke Gibbons, 2 SFS Global Strike Challenge Team point of contact. "They have to be able to pick one another up and get back on task. They will only be able to do this if they are able to trust one another."

In order to build that trust and team work, each team is given 30 days prior to the challenge to work and train together. Barksdale's team expects to use every minute of that time wisely.

"The thirty days of training will consist primarily of intense PT, a lot of trigger time at the range, familiarization of land navigation and small squad tactics," said 2nd Lt. Josh Hight, 2SFS team leader for the 2011 Global Strike Challenge. "Barksdale was a major competitor last year, and this year I intend to keep the trophy here with us. We have a lot of capable Airmen with experience and knowledge to contribute to the competition, and I am thrilled that I've been given the opportunity to lead them to victory."

When asked whether the Deuce can expect to take home the number one prize this year, there was only one question on the team coach's mind.

"Yes, the 2nd Bomb Wing can expect to win this year," Hart said. "The only question is: by how much?"

The security forces competition is scheduled to begin Nov. 13 at Barksdale, with the symposium and score posting to follow.