5th SFS tryouts held for Global Strike Challenge Published Aug. 17, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Security forces Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing competed for a chance to represent the wing here Aug. 16 and 18 for the upcoming Global Strike Challenge, which is an Air Force Global Strike Command competition for Air Force ICBM and bomber forces. "Global Strike Challenge is an outstanding opportunity to showcase and recognize the unmatched capability these dedicated Airmen bring to the Air Force and provide to the U.S. and its allies," said 1st Lt. Mark Babb, 5th Security Forces Squadron Global Strike Challenge judge. "It also allows the Air Force the opportunity to further increase its combat capability through competition, teamwork and community crosstalk." Airmen from the 5th SFS completed a variety of mental and physical events, all for a chance to compete against other security forces Airmen in the Global Strike Challenge. "Everyone came together as a team during the tryouts, even though we were all competing against each other for a spot on this team," said Senior Airman David Martelli, 5th SFS member. "I think the challenge is a great way to increase morale, motivation, and enthusiasm for staying physically fit." Babb believes tryouts are a great and necessary way to choose top performing security forces members who will compete in the Global Strike Challenge. "The goal was for the competitors to prove their aptitude in both endurance and strength portions of physical fitness," said the lieutenant. "They must also have had significant marksmanship capability. We will also consider the competitors tactical aptitude through any specialty courses they have attended." Airmen began the tryouts at 4 a.m., with a six mile run. Following the run, they were scheduled to complete a weapons firing portion, but had to reschedule because of firing range maintenance issues. The Airmen then moved on to the track outside of the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center to complete sprints and pull ups. Along the way, the security forces members also completed two 'keep in memory system' games. "Tryouts went very well," said the lieutenant. "Everyone was very competitive and highly motivated. Unfortunately, the shooting portion had to be postponed, so we hope to hold a second phase of the tryouts in the future to measure marksmanship capability." Babb said six individuals and one alternate will be selected for the team. One member must be a technical sergeant or higher, and will serve as the team captain. Two of the members must be Airmen with less than two years of time in service, at the date of the competition. Security forces teams will compete for the Charlie Fire Team Trophy, which recognizes the security forces "best of the best" throughout the competition. "Security Forces teams will be judged in three primary sections during the competition," said Babb. "One day will consist of marksmanship. The next day, each team will be presented with scenarios and be graded on their tactical response. Finally, the teams will complete a course of up to 10 kilometers in length, which will present the team with a wide array of physical, mental and tactical problems they must solve and complete as quickly as possible." 5th Security Forces Squadron team member selections are scheduled to be released Aug. 19, pending additional tryouts. The 91st Missile Wing security forces is scheduled to hold their respective tryouts on Sept. 14. The security forces competition will be graded in November with teams from various AFGSC and Air Combat Command installations. The Global Strike Challenge will end in November with a score posting event and an announcement of the winners at Air Force Global Strike Command Headquarters in Barksdale AFB, La.