FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash., - Washington Air National Guardsmen gathered here from all over the state on March 26-28 to participate in their second to last training exercise before Guardian Challenge.
The combat communications event will be held at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., April 17-19.
Air Force Space Command hosts Guardian Challenge every two years, and this year for the first time the Washington Air National Guard will compete.
Guardian Challenge is a MAJCOM level competition in which combat communications groups compete to create techniques, tactics, and procedures as well as evaluate a unit's capability to accomplish missions throughout the globe.
"Our team comprises of members throughout the 252nd Combat Communications Group," said Capt. Derick Schmidt, the team leader. "We have come together quickly while developing great teamwork and esprit de corps. We are excited and looking forward to the event. In the end no matter who wins or loses, we all belong to the same Air Force."
The Washington National Guard Guardian Challenge team has spent four weekends practicing for the event, which will challenge them both mentally and physically.
"It is not every day we get the opportunity to apply our military training, and compete against other combat communication squadrons," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Morse. "We look forward to the event and hope to be one of the top competitors."
Logistical challenges have been something to deal with since developing the team. Most of the team is comprised of traditional Guardsmen, who live throughout the state.
Each member has made personal sacrifices to participate, whether it be taking time off from their civilian jobs are moving around their work schedules to fit the groups training needs. Some of the members are even new to the communications career field or unit.
"No matter what the background of each member everyone is giving it their all and taking this competition seriously," said Schmidt. "As a Guard team we do have some added challenges but never see them as reasons to give up."
Constant communication between the team and Guardian Challenge officials has kept them informed on daily changes of requirements so they can train efficiently. The group will still be faced with some challenges that they have not had time to practice for or new tactics may be required at the actual competition due to modifications of certain exercises.
Some areas that will be tested in April will be communication site activation, marksmanship, physical training challenge, tent city, team tactical challenge, Airman's Manual, self aid and buddy care and a force on force capture the flag event.
Guard officials said no matter the outcome of the event, each participating Guardsmen is excited to represent the Guard and show off their skills to their fellow active duty combat communication counterparts.