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Looming War Derails Guardian Challenge Competition
By Jeremy Singer
Space News Staff Writer
posted: 01:45 pm ET
19 March 2003
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Untitled WASHINGTON -- Preparations for a looming U.S. attack on Iraq have prompted Air Force Space Command to cancel the annual space warfighter competition held at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., according to a spokesman for the command. This marks only the second time that the Air Force has canceled a Guardian Challenge competition in the 36-year history of the event, which involves demonstrations by satellite and missile operators, said Michael Kucharek, a spokesman for Space Command. The previous cancellation was in 1968 during the Vietnam War. In addition to the possible conflict in Iraq, Air Force Space Command personnel have been extremely busy supporting U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Kucharek said. Air Force Gen. Lance Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, expressed disappointment at the cancellation of the event, but called it necessary. "We discover new tactics, techniques and procedures every year at Guardian Challenge, and its a huge motivational event for our people," Lord said in a March 18 press release. "But the situation at our units demands we place our primary focus on our day-to-day missions."
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