Dust and debris in Wyoming

Members of the 5th Security Forces Squadron Global Strike Challenge team listen to instructions before the tactics portion of the competition at Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Sept. 24, 2014. During tactics, the team navigated their way through tall ridges, billowing smoke and sharp briers to a downed helicopter surrounded by enemy guards. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

Dust and debris in Wyoming

Published Sept. 30, 2014
By Senior Airman Stephanie Morris
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Security Forces Squadron recently competed against eight other teams during the Global Strike Challenge at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, from Sept. 23-25, 2014.

The team was faced with a unique challenge each day, all of which tested their mental and physical prowess and their ability to operate as a team.

Day one consisted of a variety of weapons evaluations. The team set their sights on shooting ranges for the M4 carbine, M9 pistol, M203 grenade launcher and M240 machine gun.

Between firing weapons, the team ran up steep inclines and rode from site to site in the back of an Army transport vehicle.

"We were prepared for the hills," said 1st Lt. Richard Odom, 5th SFS GSC team leader. "Lucky for us, one of the only hills at Minot is out at CATM, and we had been practicing running up and down it."

The next day, the team faced a tactics exercise.

They worked together to retake a simulated helicopter crash site from enemy forces. The team navigated their way through tall ridges, billowing smoke and sharp briers to a downed helicopter with enemy guards.

"Our tactics were definitely sound," Odom said. "We had a really good plan going into tactics, and our teamwork was great."

Finally the team faced their biggest test yet an obstacle course containing balancing challenges at extreme heights, as well as low crawls under barbed wire.

At the end of the competition the teams came together for a social and briefing from 20th AF commander Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein.

"We didn't choose our team members based on who had the best aim or tactics," Odom said. "We chose team members based on who had the most heart. I know we blew the competition away."