A
ir Force Space Command airmen are competing in the 2006 Guardian Challenge, the first in two years since AFSPC canceled the comp last year. Various elements are competing on different dates. For instance, missileers at Minot AFB, N.D., began competition events with a kickoff rally in late April, while helicopter crews from F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Minot AFB, N.D., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif., competed last week at Camp Guernsey, Wyo. Posting for all competitors is slated for Peterson AFB, Colo., in mid-August.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…