Top Guardian competition tests Space Force grit

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Victoria Hight
SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Space Operations Command hosted the inaugural Top Guardian competition, designed to test the elite physical culture and mental fortitude of U.S. Space Force Guardians on June 3, 2025.

The demanding course spanned a 12-mile route around Schriever SFB and featured eight intense physical challenges alongside eight precise tactical tasks. Competitors were evaluated on both speed and accuracy, clearly reflecting the comprehensive expertise required on today’s battlefield. Every participant demonstrated unwavering determination, resilience, and tactical acumen—attributes that define the warrior spirit of SpOC Guardians.

“This is the exact type of event to emphasize the physical and tactical culture of our Guardians,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., SpOC commander. “This competition is designed to be extremely tough, but it demonstrates the Space Force’s willingness to fight; it demonstrates your personal determination… your valor, and the commitment we have as a service to support our joint partners.

By rising to every challenge, Guardians showcased their tactical proficiency and athletic prowess, reinforcing the enduring values of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Their performance sets a compelling standard for what it means to be a warrior in the modern era, inspiring the entire military community to strive for excellence in every engagement.

All 20 competitors who started the contest finished the challenges throughout the day. The top 3 males and females were recognized with a plaque, and all competitors received a Department of the Air Force Achievement Medal from Miller to acknowledge their tenacity in stepping up for this first-ever competition.

Top Guardian is proposed to become an annual event that will expand, with plans to pit the best SpOC Guardians and Airmen against each other.

“There was no quit in any of you,” said U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Rozneck, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy Commander of Operations, Plans, Training, and Force Development. “The competitors represent less than 1% of SpOC who showed up today, and you all kept going to finish this insanely difficult course. I am so proud of your determination. This is a clear demonstration of what the Space Force is really about.”

Coach Adam Whisler of the Guardian Resilience Team planned the physical challenges, which included 45lb plate carries, overhead presses, rows, chin ups, deadlifts, sprints and drags. The stations were spread apart on the 12-mile course, with competitors running between stations to earn points for completion time. Subject matter experts from SpOC Deltas collaborated for the tactical events, which included determining false GPS data, calculating orbital timing of objects in space, and correctly maximizing organizational structure.

“What you saw today was a community of warriors coming together to execute a mission,” said 2nd Lt Maximus Marchi, officer in charge of the event. “It was the determination and dedication of each Guardian competing and each volunteer that made this event special and showcased what the Space Force is about. It’s not just knowledge; it’s not just physical strength and endurance – it’s true grit and resiliency. Guardians don’t quit – they will always be the invisible front line.” 

The top 3 male and female Guardians were:

Female
1st Maj Natalia Pinto, Space Delta 9
2nd Capt Sara Burton, Space Delta 8
3rd 1st Lt Grace Proesch, Mission Delta 31

Male
1st Capt Coen Williams, Space Delta 9  
2nd 1st Lt Stephen Brown, Mission Delta 31
3rd Sgt Samuel Ryder, Space Delta 8

 

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