Air Force Space Command Competition Tests Skills

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AP) – Hundreds of Air Force

personnel from a dozen bases are competing in satellite operations,

computer network operation and other skills in the Space Command’s

biggest contest.

The competition, called Guardian Challenge, got under way in

March and ends in May. It occurs every other year.

Lt. Col. Burke Hare, deputy commander of the competition, says

it’s designed to hone skills and recognize top performers.

Teams compete in satellite command and control, rocket launching

skills, acquiring equipment or capabilities needed on the

battlefield, communicating in combat and operating the Air Force

computer network.

Between 300 and 400 individuals compete.

The Space Command operates defense satellites including the

Global Positioning System, two satellite launch programs,

cyber-defense systems and other programs.