2nd MUNS gears up for Global Strike Challenge

Published Aug. 22, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- With only weeks left until the 2nd annual Global Strike Challenge, the 2nd Munitions Squadron team members have kicked training into high gear to ensure they bring the first prize trophy -- and bragging rights -- home to Barksdale AFB.

During Global Strike Challenge, Airmen from operations, maintenance and security forces teams from bomber and missile wings throughout the command compete to be named best-of-the-best - a victory Airmen from 2nd MUNS have been training to claim.

The munitions piece of the competition requires the teams to demonstrate their ability to quickly build munitions as well as construct a munitions assembly conveyor, expertly drive heavy equipment and ace a knowledge-based exam - all while looking good for the dress and appearance inspection.

The team's recipe for success includes focusing only on the competition and training five days a week right up until day one. The group works on bomb building in the mornings and group studies in the afternoon -- a combination the team lead said is sure to produce results.

"We're practicing more this year than we did last year, covering all our bases and making sure we go over everything from basic procedures to operations," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Crawford, 2nd MUNS team lead.

Crawford said he's sure the rigorous training schedule will make the team successful.

"I'm 100 percent confident the team will do well," he said. "We took home second place last year, but we're looking to improve. I talked to a good buddy of mine who's leading the team at Dyess [AFB, Texas] and I told him we're definitely fighting for first place."

Though all challenge newbies, members of the 11-man team jumped at the chance to represent the squadron in the highly visible competition. The team was put together with Airmen from throughout the 2nd MUNS with various levels of experience and job knowledge in order to create an environment conducive to training as well as preparing for the competition.

"This is my first challenge, and I volunteered because I wanted the squadron to be represented well," said Staff Sgt. Sean Gunter, Global Strike Challenge munitions team crew chief. "We've got a good team, these guys are dedicated and practicing hard every day to make sure we do well."

Though the daily practices have been in preparation for the upcoming competition, Gunter said it has also enhanced his knowledge of the job and helped sharpen his skills.

"The competition is really measuring our ability to produce rapid munitions in real life," he said. "Preparing for the competition makes us more efficient. The practicing definitely helps you learn procedures, a good flow of operations and increases your sense of urgency."

The rigorous training schedule for the competition encourages team members to practice all facets of their job, not just day-to-day operations.

"There are many aspects of this competition you just don't do everyday working in the various sections of the squadron," said Crawford. "The practicing helps keep the information fresh and provide training for those who need it."

Crew member Airman 1st Class Bradley Kainrath agreed.

"I'm excited about the chance to be a part of the team," said Kainrath. "This is a good way to show off all the hard work we've put in and see just how much it pays off. I haven't really gotten the chance to work with the munitions yet, so having this time now is definitely expanding my knowledge."

More than 450 Airmen will take part in the Global Strike Challenge competitions at various locations throughout the country, culminating in a symposium and score posting event at Barksdale in November.

Meet the 2 MUNS Global Strike Challenge Team:
Tech. Sgt. Anthony R. Crawford (team leader)
Staff Sgt. Sean Gunter (crew chief)
Staff Sgt. Gary Borden (crew member)
Staff Sgt. Christopher Cheaney (crew member)
Staff Sgt. Daniel Hodges (crew member)
Senior Airman Christopher Murphy (crew member)
Senior Airman Cory Hamilton (crew member)
Senior Airman Bryan Gillam (crew member)
Senior Airman Eric Taylor (crew member)
Airman 1st Class Bradley Kainrath (crew member)
Airman 1st Class Collin Wanberg (crew member)
Airman 1st Class Benjamin Follansbee (crew member)