Guardian Challenge season begins Published Jan. 26, 2010 By 1st Lt. Jonathan Simmons Air Force Space Command Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Every two years Air Force Space Command hosts Guardian Challenge, the premier space and cyberspace competition in the world. "I'm excited about Guardian Challenge this year," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, AFSPC commander. "The GC season is a prime opportunity for the best of the best in Air Force Space Command to represent their wings and demonstrate their skills." Guardian Challenge competition events at various locations span from March 1 to May 19, but the preparations for GC form a season that begins now. Culmination events and an awards ceremony will take place at Peterson AFB, Colo. in May. "Guardian Challenge is about innovation, esprit de corps, and teamwork," said General Kehler. "Competition hones our skills and makes us a more effective member of the Joint team." Teams from nine wings and one center, including newly added Air National Guard units, will be a part of GC 2010 competition events. Unlike GCs of the past, 2010's competition will include cyberspace forces for the first time, while the missile forces newly transitioned to Air Force Global Strike Command will not participate. "We are eager to welcome aboard cyberspace forces for this year's competition," said Col. William "Oz" Nelson, GC competition commander. According to the GC Competition Plan, each new cyber wing will be partnered as "sister wings" with seasoned space wings for the competition and culmination events. This will develop mentorship and collaboration through GC that will be carried into daily operations and warfighting efforts. GC season begins this month, with GC competitor selection, competition environment construction and team training. However, this time leading up to the actual competitions is also a chance for wings to streamline their processes, come up with innovative ideas and come together as one team for GC and for the joint fight. "While only a select few will actually compete at consoles or on ranges, GC season is a total team effort bringing entire wings together and encouraging teamwork across career field lines," said General Kehler. "I encourage commanders to organize esprit de corps events targeted at bringing all of their units and career fields together behind the goals of GC. Teamwork and innovative thinking are the hallmarks of our outstanding professionals. Guardian Challenge is the perfect place to showcase our talent." The goals of GC 2010 are: · Identify areas for standardization to enhance readiness/efficiency · Improve readiness, combat capabilities, and methodology through preparation, innovation and cross talk · Enhance esprit de corps and strengthen teamwork across all Command mission areas · Recognize AFSPC's superior warriors · Articulate the message that we are prepared to perform our mission · Demonstrate our awesome abilities as world's premier space and cyberspace force · Create competition-tough personnel · Identify innovative techniques and improved methodology for enhanced job performance Guardian Challenge culmination events and the award of trophies for best space operations, space launch, space acquisitions, combat communications, and cyber forces teams will take place May 20 and 21 at Peterson AFB. "I'll see you at Guardian Challenge 2010," said General Kehler. "May the best teams win."