Guardian Challenge 2010 - Day 2 of Security Forces Competition

Published May 18, 2010
By Hien Q. Vu, Esq.
SMC/PA

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. -- Guardian Challenge 2010's security forces competition continued with the marksmanship portion on Day 2 May 17 at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jack's Valley.

The Space and Missile Systems Center's 61st Security Forces Squadron team sent four of its best shooters to the competition: Department of Defense Officers Steven Haymes and Yvette Perez, Tech. Sgt. Rochanapan Silpe and Staff Sgt. Alex Andriyanov.

Each competitor took turns shooting the M4 Carbine and M9 Beretta pistol with live ammunitions, in standing, kneeling and prone positions behind barricades at targets set up at various distance.

"The format is standard in competitions like this," said 2nd Lt. Alea Nadeem, team coach. "We went over our procedures and practices time and time again during our training back home last month."

No amount of training could absolutely prepare the shooters for the actual environment on the day of the competition, when the stakes were high.

"Competition simulates the realistic combat arms conditions," said Sergeant Andriyanov. "The pressure is high; the intensity is high. On top of that, we really want to do well. These factors make the marksmanship competition exciting and nerve-wrecking."

Yet the daily training and practice helped ease the anxiety and jittery.

"Training builds a comfortable routine that has become our second nature," said Officer Perez. "Once we put on our vest and gear and load our weapons, we become more and more comfortable because our mindset switches back to what we've always done in our training and in our job."

Scores will be posted at the Guardian Challenge 2010 awards banquet May 21 at Headquarters Air Force Space Command.

GC 2010 - Day 2 6

GC 2010 - Day 2 3

GC 2010 - Day 2 4

GC 2010 - Day 2 5

Guardian Challenge 2010 - Day 2 of Security Forces Competition