U.S. Air Force Defender Challenge

The U.S. Air Force Defender Challenge pits "the best of the best" Defenders from across Air Force major commands and international partners in a head-to-head team competition, focusing on the craft and tools of their trade -- weapons and tactics. The Sadler Cup, named after Maj. Gen. Thomas Sadler, is awarded to the best team.

History

The competition was first held in 1952 as a marksmanship contest in 1952 before transitioning in 1981 to an Olympics-style series of events focused on various Defender disciplines. Following a long hiatus beginning in 2004, the Air Force Security Forces Center, in coordination with headquarters Air Force Security Forces reinstated the competition in 2018 at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, to test Defender expertise in combat endurance, combat agility, weapons testing and military working dogs competition to earn team and individual trophies.

Senior Airman Lorenzo Fonseca, Air Force Reserve Command Defender Challenge team member, carries Jerry cans filled with water 50 meters from the starting point to the next station where he will attempt to shoot a target with an M4 carbine rifle during the combat endurance relay Sept. 13, 2018 at Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation, Texas. The team’s theme song was blaring, and event support personnel were firing blank rounds from rifles and setting off booming charges to help build the environment of excitement.

Airmen from the Air National Guard Air Force Defender’s Challenge Team 2018 run to the finish line of the dismounted operations portion of the competition at Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 12, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Joshua C. Allmaras)

Tech. Sgt. Felipe Fernandez, an ANG security forces craftsman assigned to the 147th Attack Wing, Houston, Texas, secures a potential threat during the dismounted operations competition during AF Defender Challenge. — Tech. Sgt. Felipe Fernandez, an ANG security forces craftsman assigned to the 147th Attack Wing, Houston, Texas, secures a potential threat during the dismounted operations portion of the competition at Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 12, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Joshua C. Allmaras)

2018 Defender Challenge

The 2018 Defender Challenge competition was held from Sept. 10–13, 2018, with 13 teams from Air Force major commands, the United Kingdom and Germany. Events included realistic weapons scenarios, simulated dismounted operations, and combat endurance. Pacific Air Forces won the Sadler Cup; Air Combat Command finished second and Air Force Materiel Command placed third.

2023 Defender Challenge

The 2023 Defender Challenge competition was held Oct. 23–27, 2023, at Fort Bliss, Texas. Eleven teams of five were tested in combat tactics, weapons proficiency, and physical endurance. Leadership attended to support their teams. Air Force District of Washington won the Sadler Cup. Other winners included:

Weapons: 1st – Air Force Global Strike Command, 2nd – Air National Guard, 3rd – Air Force District of Washington

Tactics: 1st – Air Mobility Command, 2nd – Air Force District of Washington, 3rd – Air Education and Training Command

Fitness: 1st – U.S. Air Forces in Europe, 2nd – Air Force Global Strike Command, 3rd – Air Force District of Washington

Top Ruck Team: U.S. Air Forces in Europe

Top Shot: Master Sgt. Christopher Reed, Air National Guard

Fitness exercise — Members of Air Mobility Command's Defender Challenge team take on the fitness portion of the competition Oct. 24, 2023, at the Fort Bliss Doña Ana Range Complex near Chaparral, New Mexico. The competition, hosted by the Air Force Security Forces career field and planned and executed by the Air Force Security Forces Center, determines the best-of-the-best security forces teams and individuals using a variety of base ground defense scenarios. Eleven teams of five represented each Air Force major command. This is the first Defender Challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic with organizers hoping to now return to a biennial schedule. (U.S. Air Force photo by Craig Z. Rodarte)

Tactics exercise — Members of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Defender Challenge team take on the tactics portion of the competition Oct. 25, 2023, at the Fort Bliss Doña Ana Range Complex near Chaparral, New Mexico. The competition, hosted by the Air Force Security Forces career field and planned and executed by the Air Force Security Forces Center, determines the best-of-the-best security forces teams and individuals using a variety of base ground defense scenarios. Eleven teams of five represented each Air Force major command. This is the first Defender Challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic with organizers hoping to now return to a biennial schedule. (U.S. Air Force photo by Craig Z. Rodarte)

Airmen demonstrating tactics — Members of the Pacific Air Forces Defender Challenge team take on the tactics portion of the competition Oct. 24, 2023, at the Fort Bliss Doña Ana Range Complex near Chaparral, New Mexico. The competition, hosted by the Air Force Security Forces career field and planned and executed by the Air Force Security Forces Center, determines the best-of-the-best security forces teams and individuals using a variety of base ground defense scenarios. Eleven teams of five represented each Air Force major command. This is the first Defender Challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic with organizers hoping to now return to a biennial schedule. (U.S. Air Force photo by Craig Z. Rodarte)

FAQs

Q: How does the competition benefit the Security Forces career field?

A: It tests physical and operational skills, bolsters ethos, and strengthens esprit-de-corps.

Q: How are competitors selected?

A: Major commands receive a warning order months in advance to select their best competitors.

Q: What events take place?

A: Events include tactical movements, live-fire weapons firing, and threat response scenarios.

Q: What awards are given?

A: Awards include Weapons Proficiency, Tactical Proficiency, Fitness Prowess, Rucking Stamina, and the Sadler Trophy.

(Current as of October 2023)

Air Education and Training Command Air Force Defender Challenge Team