Training exercise bolsters MacDill’s wartime proficiency

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Warner
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Military operational readiness is paramount in preventing the loss of life and surviving in austere conditions. Between Feb. 12 and 15, the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, conducted an operational readiness assessment to exercise the wing’s wartime readiness.


 

During the four-day event, the 6th AMW was evaluated on its ability to react to alarm signals, transition between mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) zones, and effectively communicate up the chain-of-command.


The training exercise also evaluated self-aid buddy care, post-attack reconnaissance, and unexploded ordinance identification and control.

 

“Proficiency is key,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Middleton, an inspection manager with Air Mobility Command. “The more often we train, the better prepared we will be in responding to real military situations.”


The wing also simulated protecting and decontaminating assets, as well as assessing weapons qualification and measuring individual medical readiness.

 

Even a kitchen was deployed, set up, and torn down.

 

Overall, the assessment included every squadron and as a result, it encompassed the true meaning of full spectrum readiness.

 

“Every Airman, every career field, from top to bottom needs to be proficient at their profession,” said Middleton. “Full spectrum readiness goes beyond just operational readiness, it is also a physical, mental, and emotional preparedness.”


 

During the exercise, squadrons that normally don’t work together received an opportunity to see what other squadrons do and how they contribute to the Air Force mission.


 

“I really enjoyed this training exercise,” said Airman 1st Class Nerlande Stevens, an aircrew flight equipment technician assigned to the 6th Operation Support Squadron, “It’s nice to see the bigger picture in what other squadrons get to do and their roles in the mission.”


 

This training exercise is a reminder that there is always a mission at hand – to fly, fight and win in air, space, and cyberspace.

 

 

“We always need to be mission ready,” said Stevens. “That is why we train.”