Cops train to 'set the bar' at Guardian Challenge

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott McNabb
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
Up north, there's a cow town where men with guns have been feeling itchy trigger fingers and practicing to take down the bad guys.

No, it's not the Greeley town Marshall with a makeshift posse of do-gooders, it's the combined 460th Security Forces Squadron and 137th Space Warning Squadron Guardian Challenge security forces team that will represent Team Buckley at the Air Force Academy May 16-19.

The total number of points possible for each unit element is 600 and is broken down into three categories. Total points in each category are:

Military operation in urban terrain/high risk entry evaluation: 200 points.
Combat marksmanship course: 200 points.
Fitness run/station challenge: 200 points.

The team members are Staff Sgts. Randy Fischer, Mario Hernandez and Airman 1st Class Devin Casteel, 137th SWS, and Airman 1st Class Chris Uremovich and Airman Kick Reyna, from the 460th SFS.

Tech. Sgt. Travis Silvers, 137th SWS, is the trainer for the security forces team.

Sergeant Silvers said he was honored to be selected to train the team. He said his motivational tactics vary as needed.

"I give them positive reinforcement and an occasional kick in the pants to remind them they can always improve," he said. "Most importantly, I try to keep them focused on the team itself."

Airman Reyna said he didn't expect to be representing his base at a command level competition after just three years in the military, but he feels privileged to have this opportunity.

"It's giving me new leadership skills that I will need later on in my career to mentor newer Airmen," he said. "Also, all of this training from firing, physical conditioning and team building exercises is helping me become a better security forces Airman all around."

Sergeant Fischer said he's been pleased with the opportunity to work with Airmen of different experience levels.

"Working with guys with various experiences is a great opportunity to improve my leadership skills and take away some newer skills from the younger Airmen," he said.

Sergeant Hernandez said he called his wife when he found out he was selected for the team.

"I was excited to be able to participate in such an exciting and well known event," he said.
"We just have to keep training hard and continue to push each other to the limit. That alone will be enough to be successful."

Sergeant Silvers said he has been pushing the team hard and they've responded well because they're in such great physical shape. He said the team's motto is, "One team, one fight!"

"They're the most fit group of young men I've had the chance to train with," he said.

Fit and single-minded according to Airman Uremovich. He said his personal goals are to live up to the standards set by his trainer and teammates, but that when it comes to his team goals, they are even higher.

"That we set the bar for Guardian Challenge," he said. "We aren't going to the Air Force Academy and say, 'I hope we do good.' We're going to the Air force Academy to win."

The team will find out the results of their efforts during closing ceremonies May 19-21.