Air 
Force Global Strike Command teams have descended on Barksdale AFB, La., for the culmination of the third annual Global Strike Challenge later this week. Since July, units from across the command have been competing in scored events, vying for the titles of top ICBM wing, bomb wing, security forces unit, and helicopter support squadron. Teams from seven AFGSC and Air Combat Command bases as well as a French air force delegation came to Barksdale for the final events and scoring, according to a Nov. 5 Barksdale release. Nearly 480 airmen competed in the 2012 challenge from Barksdale, Dyess AFB, Tex.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; Minot AFB, N.D.; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; and Whiteman AFB, Mo., reports the Shreveport Times. The week’s activities include the command’s third Technology and Innovation Symposium. Command leaders will award the titles and trophies at the score posting on Nov. 7, according to the newspaper. (Includes Barksdale report by Carla Pampe)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.