Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michelle Hopkins | The top three performers pose for a a photo following the 101st Air Refueling Wing...... read more read more
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BANGOR, Maine - Four airmen assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron were pushed to their physical limits, all competing to earn the title of Best Defender during the unit's inaugural Best Defender Competition, held July 28-29, 2026, at the Bangor Air National Guard Base.
Inspired by the Maine Army National Guard's Best Warrior Competition, the two-day event challenged volunteer competitors through a series of realistic scenarios designed to evaluate the core competencies security forces airmen rely on in operational environments. The competition also served to showcase the diverse capabilities of security forces.
The competition kicked off with Grid-to-Ground Navigation that challenged the competitor’s ability to navigate over a rugged course using only a map and compass. Other challenges included The Dirigo Gauntlet where competitors had to shoot, navigate, and communicate through a simulated combat scenario, concluding with assembling a machine gun while timed; The Defender Crucible, a physically demanding event combining running with functional strength exercises, including sandbag lifts and water can carries, all while in uniform; and the final challenge was The Defender Durability March where each competitor carried a 35lb pack, vest, and weapon on a 9-mile ruck march.
“All four of our competitors had an outstanding time and that’s reflective of our career field. We train hard and we play hard and we do the tough and challenging things and it’s rewarding at the end of the day.” said Master Sgt. Galen Gaffney, 101st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron administration and control superintendent.
Gaffney expressed admiration and respect for the competitors. With no previous competition to measure against, participants entered the event with a level of uncertainty, but Gaffney said they embraced the challenge after spending nearly a year preparing for the inaugural competition. The plan is for the competition to become an annual tradition and expand it in the future to hopefully become a regional event. The competition also was a recruiting tool to allow people to see the exciting things that the Security Forces Squadron is part of.
“I was motivated by the opportunity to challenge myself and represent the unit,” said Staff Sgt. Philip Slick, winner of the 2026 Best Defender Competition. “It was great to be able to share the experience with my competitors and motivate each other throughout.”
He talked about the importance of camaraderie among the competitors and the support of the squadron. In preparation for the event, he remained consistent with his training year-round, treating every workout as part of the job and mindset to help test his own skills and discipline.
Capt. Joshua Stevens, commander of the 101st Security Forces Squadron, supported the competition from its earliest planning stages over a year ago. With support from the wing, security forces ensured the competition was a success. Following the competition, interest has already grown, with several airmen volunteering to compete next year.
When asked about what stood out to him with the competitors, Stevens spoke about the drive they all shared.
“What stood out to me was the tenacity that exists within the Defenders themselves and the unwillingness to slow down and stop or not take on that next challenge. To be able to fight through it. Truly, they had the hardiness of spirit. They were all showcasing that stout internal force that pushed them past their perceived boundaries.”
By challenging Defenders in these various mission-focused scenarios while fostering camaraderie and professional growth, the competition reinforced the warrior ethos that is at the heart of the security forces mission. With plans already underway for next year's event, the 101st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron hopes to build on its success and continue to ensure their Defenders are prepared to meet any challenge that comes their way, in competition and in life.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2026 15:06 |
| Story ID: | 571754 |
| Location: | MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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