Beginning a New Tradition

Air Force Global Strike Command’s first-ever Global Strike Challenge is underway, with upwards of 400 airmen participating from USAF’s bomber and ICBM units across the nation. Bomber and missile crews, maintainers, and associated security forces are showcasing their expertise in head-to head competitions that run through mid-November. In the process, these airmen will hone their skills “and ultimately strengthen the Air Force nuclear enterprise for years to come,” says Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, AFGSC commander. He adds that, “Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of excellence.” The new competition combines elements of the USAF’s former “bomb comp” and “missile comp.” In addition to the nuclear-capable B-2 and B-52 bomber units and Minuteman III forces aligned under Global Strike Command, their reserve component associate units are participating as are Air Combat Command’s conventional-only B-1B bomber wings. (Barksdale report by Crystal Jordan)