HILL AIR FORCE BASE — The deadline to sign up for the 2016 Air Force Research Laboratory Commander’s Challenge is May 6.

“Last year’s team, SL7, set the bar very high by delivering an innovative, low-cost solution to rapid engagement and mitigation of active-shooter threats by making modifications to existing tech infrastructure,” said Lt. Col. Byron Formwalt, with Hill’s Air Force Sustainment Center Engineering directorate.

This year, organizers say they want to field another high-performing team. To do that, they are recruiting Hill’s best and brightest junior workforce members to competitively apply for a prestigious slot on the 2016 AFRL Commander’s Challenge team. 

“This year’s competition is going to be different. We are seeking candidates from all career fields and units on Hill AFB, and you do not need to have a college degree to play. To win, we will need a diverse team — not just a ragtag team of book-smart junior engineers.” Formwalt said. “We need people with vision, people who know how to build stuff, and people who think outside of the box. Creativity will be key.”

 To be considered for Team Hill, applicants must have worked for the federal government for less than 10 years. Junior force members from any unit and career field may apply. There is no requirement for applicants to have an academic degree. 

This year’s event will run from June through December 2016, and applicants will be required to be excused from all other duties during this time. Applicants must obtain approval from their immediate supervisor. The Commander’s Challenge requires a full-time commitment from May 31 to Dec. 16.

Participants may be required to spend all or part of this time working at one or more off-site locations. All aspects of this competition will be funded by AFRL.

Applications should be submitted to hill.innovation.center@us.af.mil. For more information, contact John Walton at john.walton.4@us.af.mil