7th SFS prepare for Global Strike Challenge

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jenon McPhatter, 7th Security Forces Squadron, fires an M-4 while training for the 3rd annual Global Strike Challenge Sept. 20, 2012, at the Modified Record Fire Range, in Brownwood, Texas. During the competition Dyess security forces will compete in marksmanship on the M-4, M-9, M-240 and M-230 weapons systems, combat tactics and priority resource defense, and the mental and physical challenge event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko/ Released)

7th SFS prepare for Global Strike Challenge

Airmen from the 7th Security Forces Squadron load magazines before training for the 3rd annual Global Strike Challenge Sept. 20, 2012, at the Modified Record Fire Range, in Brownwood, Texas. During the competition Dyess security forces will compete in marksmanship on the M-4, M-9, M-240 and M-230 weapons systems; combat tactics and priority resource defense; and the mental and physical challenge event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko/ Released)

7th SFS prepare for Global Strike Challenge

An Airman from the 7th Security Forces Squadron loads an M-4 magazine before training for the 3rd annual Global Strike Challenge Sept. 20, 2012, at the Modified Record Fire Range, in Brownwood, Texas. During the competition Dyess security forces will compete in marksmanship on the M-4, M-9, M-240 and M-230 weapons systems, combat tactics and priority resource defense, and the mental and physical challenge event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko/ Released)

7th SFS competes in GSC

Published Oct. 3, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Dyess' top security forces Airmen traveled to Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Sept. 24-28 to compete in the 3rd annual Global Strike Challenge.

Prior to the competition, handpicked 7th SFS Airmen endured a month long training camp to ensure they were prepared for the competition and bring home the coveted Charlie Fire Team Trophy for best security forces squadron and Fairchild Trophy for best bomb wing.

"We trained five-days-a-week for events we would encounter during the Global Strike Challenge," said Staff Sgt. Roderick Jackson, 7th SFS and two-time competitor in the GSC. "Everything from intense physical training to tactics to land navigation to firing, I don't think I have ever prepared more for a competition in my life."

During the competition, security forces teams from each of the Air Force Global Strike Command bases, as well as Dyess and Ellsworth AFB, competed in marksmanship with the M-4, M-9, M-240 and M-203 weapon systems, combat tactics and priority resource defense, and the mental and physical challenge event.

As a first time competitor, Airman 1st Class Robert Aldrich admitted that participating in the GSC was a once in a lifetime experience and helped further develop his skills and knowledge that will stick with him for the rest of his career.

"I loved every day of it," he said. "You learn a lot of stuff that you're not going to learn doing your normal job, it was quite an experience. I definitely look forward to doing it next year."

With the competition over, these Airmen will have to wait until the scores and winners of the Global Strike Challenge are announced at Barksdale AFB, La., in November. However, the 7th SFS is confident their performance will place them atop the GSC podium.

"I think we did very well," said Jackson. "With the amount of preparation we put in prior to the competition and the way we performed out there, I feel very confident that we can take first place."

7th SFS Team

Tech. Sgt. Jenon McPhatter
Staff Sgt. David Schwartz
Staff Sgt. Roderick Jackson
Staff Sgt. Garcia Adrian
Senior Airman Sean Hollearn
Airman 1st Class Austin Ogg
Airman 1st Class Robert Aldrich