Joint training enhances tactical airlifters’ readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kaylee Clark
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  

Aircrews and maintainers from the 403rd Wing stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, gained knowledge and experience from the GREEN FLAG Little Rock 17-05 exercise.

 

The 34th Combat Training Squadron is a vital part of Combat Airlift training, charged with crafting individually-tailored joint exercises to ensure units are prepared to support Mobility Air Force.

 

“We emphasize joint force integration in all of the exercises. The wealth of information gained by our joint training environment fosters new and innovative ways to address and confront situations and challenges,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Bonner, 34th CTS commander.

 

The simulated warfighting situation enhances real-world capabilities for tactical airlifters who may not be able to experience this training at home-station.

 

The reservists took advantage of the unfamiliar training area and high-tempo opportunity generated by the 34th CTS to prepare for upcoming deployments.

 

“The ability to go and do what the Air Force needs us to do, sometimes on short notice, requires having Reserve Citizen Airmen trained and ready to go.  As part of the Total Force, we look forward to supporting and serving whenever we are called upon” said Col. Michael W. Manion, 403rd Wing commander.

 

The training offered at GFLR is more than planned scenarios, it’s a joint training environment fostering partnerships between active-duty members, reservists and the Army. The cohesion formed in this environment allows for smoother operations down-range.

 

GFLR prepares partner units for an interoperability setting, as they would see in theater, by creating tactical airlift training to improve mission success.

 

“We constantly seek feedback from aircrews who have recently deployed,” Bonner said. “The best way to provide the best exercise is to provide relevant and up to date training.”

 

The 34th CTS created scenarios to test aircrew’s capabilities in unfamiliar training areas such as multiple drop zones, dirt-landing strips and a wide array of cargo and personnel delivery missions.

 

 “What’s different is that so many players are involved to include sister services. While we have opportunities at Keesler, we don’t see the volume of equipment and personnel that is offered here, and GREEN FLAG is a much more dynamic operating environment,” Manion said.

Joint training enhances tactical airlifters’ readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kaylee Clark
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  

Aircrews and maintainers from the 403rd Wing stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, gained knowledge and experience from the GREEN FLAG Little Rock 17-05 exercise.

 

The 34th Combat Training Squadron is a vital part of Combat Airlift training, charged with crafting individually-tailored joint exercises to ensure units are prepared to support Mobility Air Force.

 

“We emphasize joint force integration in all of the exercises. The wealth of information gained by our joint training environment fosters new and innovative ways to address and confront situations and challenges,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Bonner, 34th CTS commander.

 

The simulated warfighting situation enhances real-world capabilities for tactical airlifters who may not be able to experience this training at home-station.

 

The reservists took advantage of the unfamiliar training area and high-tempo opportunity generated by the 34th CTS to prepare for upcoming deployments.

 

“The ability to go and do what the Air Force needs us to do, sometimes on short notice, requires having Reserve Citizen Airmen trained and ready to go.  As part of the Total Force, we look forward to supporting and serving whenever we are called upon” said Col. Michael W. Manion, 403rd Wing commander.

 

The training offered at GFLR is more than planned scenarios, it’s a joint training environment fostering partnerships between active-duty members, reservists and the Army. The cohesion formed in this environment allows for smoother operations down-range.

 

GFLR prepares partner units for an interoperability setting, as they would see in theater, by creating tactical airlift training to improve mission success.

 

“We constantly seek feedback from aircrews who have recently deployed,” Bonner said. “The best way to provide the best exercise is to provide relevant and up to date training.”

 

The 34th CTS created scenarios to test aircrew’s capabilities in unfamiliar training areas such as multiple drop zones, dirt-landing strips and a wide array of cargo and personnel delivery missions.

 

 “What’s different is that so many players are involved to include sister services. While we have opportunities at Keesler, we don’t see the volume of equipment and personnel that is offered here, and GREEN FLAG is a much more dynamic operating environment,” Manion said.