The 12th Air Task Force (ATF), based at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, recently completed an intensive training exercise held from 5 to 19 January at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Camp McGregor, New Mexico. This exercise had a special emphasis on countering UAS and played a crucial role in the Air Force’s continuous efforts to evolve and strengthen readiness for future global challenges.
During the training, over 300 Airmen engaged in several practical sessions with a strong focus on countering modern threats, such as drone attacks. Covering combat support skills such as aircraft cargo handling, base security, and rapid infrastructure repairs, the 12th ATF achieved a significant milestone by incorporating multiple counter-UAS systems into a realistic scenario for the first time.
Personnel from Scott, Langley, Little Rock, and Barksdale Air Force Bases teamed up with the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron (CABS) to enhance vital combat and deployment skills required for operations in complex environments. Tasked with a pivotal role, the 12th CABS prioritises training multi-capable Airmen, placing significant focus on preparing them for the challenges of modern combat.
With drones becoming an increasing threat in modern warfare due to their adaptability and potential to disrupt operations, it is key for Airmen to be able to detect, track, and neutralise unauthorised or hostile drones. Developing these capabilities is essential for maintaining a strategic edge in combat, especially as near-peer adversaries continue to leverage UAS within the context of global power competition.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Hoeffing, 12 ATF Deputy Commander, “integrating Counter-UAS into our training and exercises allows us to keep pace with evolving threats in the current, dynamic threat environment,”. He continued, “by operating these systems in real-world conditions, we’re ensuring that the 12 ATF is able to sustain security and operational effectiveness while overcoming the challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems.”
During the exercise, the 12th ATF had significant support provided by the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 363rd Training Support Battalion, also known as Task Force Black Scorpion. This collaboration increased the realism of the training, with Task Force Black Scorpion instructors simulating various enemy tactics, such as drone strikes and indirect fire, while also serving as opposing forces during combat exercises.
Major Jeff Brooks, Task Force Black Scorpion Lead Planner and Officer in Charge commented “we aim to create scenarios that closely mirror what Airmen could encounter in deployed environments. By integrating our efforts with the Air Force, we are able to provide a comprehensive training experience, allowing Airmen to practice critical responses in a realistic, high-pressure environment. It’s all about preparing them for the complexities of modern warfare, where joint service operations and unpredictable threats are the norm. Our desire is to increase the survivability and lethality of deploying Airmen.”
Designed to challenge Airmen, while also enhancing teamwork and adaptability, the Task Force Black Scorpion training scenarios are specifically crafted to enhance and sharpen tactical skills essential for success in real-world deployments. In the words of Major De’Angela Sword, 12th CABS Director of Operations, “we constantly hear the phrase ‘Mission Ready Airman’ and exercises like this are where we really become ‘mission-ready’. This exercise has been invaluable in strengthening our teamwork and operational readiness”. She continued, “we’re walking away with a deeper understanding of how our individual roles fit into the larger mission. And the lessons we’ve learned here will have a direct impact on our ability to respond rapidly and effectively”.
To address emerging global threats, the Air Force relies on exercises like this to keep the 12th ATF ready to respond to challenges at a moment’s notice, wherever they may arise. These exercises focus on critical skills such as counter-drone operations, base security, and rapid repairs, offering hands-on training that prepares Airmen to tackle the complexities of modern warfare. By honing these capabilities, the 12th ATF will gain a vital edge in the global power competition, ensuring the U.S. Air Force retains superiority in an increasingly contested, technology-driven environment.
Post Image Credit: Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons, Air Mobility Command.
