Command to kick off third-annual Global Strike Challenge Published June 22, 2012 By Carla Pampe and Kate Blais Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Teams from across Air Force Global Strike Command, as well as the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Combat Command, begin competing in the third-annual Global Strike Challenge this month. Global Strike Challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and security forces competition with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard. Through competition and teamwork, the event looks to foster esprit de corps, recognize outstanding AFGSC personnel and teams and improve combat capabilities. Operations, maintenance and security forces teams from bomber and missile wings will compete to be named best-of-the-best. All units supporting the AFGSC mission have been invited to compete through November, showcasing their expertise, skill and capabilities. "This competition is designed to showcase the excellence and expertise of our Airmen," said Lt. Col. Sarah Hall, Chief, Air Force Exercises Branch, Air Force Global Strike Command. "Global Strike Challenge also helps develop elite, highly-disciplined Airmen and builds esprit de corps through friendly competition." More than 450 Airmen will take part in Global Strike Challenge competitions at various locations throughout the country, culminating in a symposium and score posting event at Barksdale Nov. 5-7. "This is our third year for this event, and it just keeps getting better and better," said Lt. Col. Mike Petrosh, Global Strike Challenge command lead. "The competition allows us to recognize the cream-of-the-crop, and Airmen are already getting excited about it." The following units will compete in Global Strike Challenge 2012; Barksdale AFB's 2d and 307th (AFRC) Bomb Wings, 49th Test Squadron and 340th Weapons School; Minot AFB's 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing; Whiteman AFB's 509th and 131st (ANG) Bomb Wings; F.E. Warren AFB's 90th Missile Wing; Malmstrom AFBs 341st Missile Wing; Ellsworth's 28th Bomb Wing and Dyess AFB's 7th Bomb Wing. Competition begins on June 25 and continues through the summer and into fall. Bomber Competition, begins June 25 · 5th Bomb Wing · 2nd Bomb Wing and 307th Bomb Wing (AFRC) · 49th Test Squadron and 340th Weapons School · 7th Bomb Wing · 28th Bomb Wing · 509th and 131st Bomb Wings Missile Competition, begins Sept. 9 · 90th Missile Wing · 91st Missile Wing · 341st Missile Wing Helicopter Competition, begins in October, Camp Guernsey, Wyo. · 90th Missile Wing · 91st Missile Wing · 341st Missile Wing Security forces squadrons from participating wings, as well as the 377th Security Forces Squadron from Kirtland AFB, N.M., will compete in a firing and tactics competition at Camp Guernsey, Wyo. in September and a mental and physical challenge at Barksdale AFB on Nov. 5. The official Global Strike Challenge score-posting will be held at Barksdale AFB on the evening of Nov. 7. More information on Global Strike Challenge is available at the competition's official website, http://www.afgsc.af.mil/library/globalstrikechallenge2012/index.asp. As the culmination of the competition draws closer, fans can follow their team's events on Twitter at @AFGlobalStrike, #GSChallenge12. Updates will also be posted on the Command's official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AirForceGlobalStrikeCommand.