LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. – The 19th Maintenance Squadron hosted its third iteration of the Readiness Games at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 9, 2024.
1st Lt. Austin Guarino, 19th MXS fabrication flight commander, created the games to get after the Air Force’s Ready Airman Training objectives, conducting the first iteration of the games in May of 2023. The games were proven an effective training tool and are now conducted quarterly within the 19th MXS.
During this quarter’s Readiness Games, Airmen engaged in a series of exercises aimed at honing essential survival skills to increase muscle memory from knowledge gained in training.
RAT items that were performed during this exercise included Tactical Combat Casualty Care, physical training, Nine Line Unexploded Ordnance Reporting, Nine Line Medevac Reporting, as well as other maintenance related trainings.
“Computer-based training and in-person training once a year is not sufficient for our maintainers. We asked ourselves, ‘how do you truly get proficient at something?’ You do so through repetition, and that’s been our focus when developing and refining this training” said 1st Lt Austin Guarino, 19th MXS fabrication flight commander. “Hands on experience is a necessity for our Airmen to survive in the types of environments we will face.”
Through immersive and repetitive training, Airmen emerge better equipped to confront challenges, safeguard lives, and uphold the mission. As the landscape of modern warfare evolves, initiatives like the Readiness Games are essential in ensuring the readiness and resilience of our nation's defenders.
“We want to make sure our Airmen are ready to face any situation they may encounter during the high-end fight,” said TSgt Zachariah Grube, 19th MXS materiel section chief.
By prioritizing continuous training and readiness initiatives, the 19th MXS will continue to reinforce the capabilities of their Airmen, ensuring they are prepared to tackle any future challenges.