VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Competitors participate in Guardian Arena IV qualifier tryouts at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Aug. 5, 2026. The tryouts evaluated participants through a series of physical and cognitive events designed to measure endurance, strength, teamwork and problem-solving skills. The top performers from these qualifiers will secure a spot as one of the teams advancing to the Guardian Arena IV championship this December at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.
Throughout the qualifier, participants completed fitness assessments and event 5A, a high-intensity circuit combining shuttle runs, burpees and sit-ups under timed conditions. The event challenged competitors to maintain speed and accuracy while fatigued, reinforcing the physical readiness, mental resilience and discipline required to perform in demanding operational environments.
Guardian Arena is an annual U.S. Space Force competition that combines academic and physical challenges to strengthen critical thinking, teamwork and warfighting readiness. By testing competitors under physically and mentally demanding conditions, the event helps prepare Guardians, Airmen and civilian personnel to perform effectively in support of the Space Force mission.