Global Strike Challenge 2014: Meet Malmstrom's 341st SFG team contestants

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Editor's Note: This is part of a series highlighting the 2014 Global Strike Challenge teams.

Originally established in 1967, the "Curtain Raiser" was the first competition designed to test the skill of intercontinental ballistic missile wings in the U.S. Air Force. Today, the event is known as the Global Strike Challenge.

The GSC is the sole ICBM, bomber and security forces competition in the world with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard all vying to be the best.

The goal of the contest is to recognize the hard working and dedicated personnel of AFGSC by showcasing their skills and teamwork through intense training and performance, which allows these Airmen to practice their readiness while providing safe, secure and effective nuclear forces.

In all, more than 450 Airmen will take part in the event at various locations across the nation. Only the best will claim the title of first place in their respective categories.

Six of the best from Malmstrom's 341st Security Forces Group will represent the base at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, on Sept. 22. as they compete for the coveted title of best security forces team.

The security forces portion of the GSC consists of a wide range of physical and mental challenges. The competitors' individual skills will be put to the ultimate test, but they must also work together as a team to win.

The following are the final ten contestents who are being evaluated to compete in this year's Global Strike Challenge competition. Six of whom will go on to participate in the final competition to represent the 341st SFG and Wing One.


Airman 1st Class Jacob Yates, 341st Security Forces Squadron member 





Airman 1st Class Jacob Yates, 341st Security Forces Squadron member










Senior Airman Christopher Elam, 341st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force member 





Senior Airman Christopher Elam, 341st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force member










Senior Airman Collin Kleckley, 341st Security Forces Squadron Tactical Response Force member 





Senior Airman Collin Kleckley, 341st Security Forces Squadron Tactical Response Force member










Staff Sgt. Franz Enriquez, 341st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force assaulter 





Staff Sgt. Franz Enriquez, 341st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force assaulter










Senior Airman Michael Staley, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member 





Senior Airman Michael Staley, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member










Master Sgt. Todd Vidic, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight chief 





Master Sgt. Todd Vidic, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight chief










2nd Lt. Nicholas Lewis, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight commander 






2nd Lt. Nicholas Lewis, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight commander









Airman 1st Class Scott Townsend, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member 






Airman 1st Class Scott Townsend, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member









Airman 1st Class William Lamb, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member 
 




Airman 1st Class William Lamb, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron member










Staff Sgt. Bradley Akers, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron security response team leader 
 





Staff Sgt. Bradley Akers, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron security response team leader









The top defenders throughout Air Force Global Strike Command will be competing for the Charlie Fire Team Trophy, which recognizes the top security forces team at the end of the challenge.

Currently, Malmstrom's teammates are hard at work training at Fort Harrison in Helena, Montana. The team is drilling on multiple categories such as weapons familiarization, proficiency firing on multiple weapon systems, land navigation, military operations in urban terrain and physical fitness, just to name a few.

"These guys are really starting to come together as a team," said Staff Sgt. Steven Trantham, 341st SFG Tactical Response Force training NCO in charge. "Everything we throw at them in training they take head on and successfully complete the tasks. I feel confident that we will be bringing home the Charlie Fire Team Trophy."