MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Air Base Wing, via the 42nd Mission Support Group held its third iteration of the Readiness Reset Exercise to sharpen the warrior ethos and readiness for an additional 16 cross-functional Airmen from across the wing.
The Crusaders focused on combat oriented training to prepare for great power competition (GPC) and emerging threats in line with the Ready Airman Training requirements. The training iteration is known as the “Crusader Challenge”, and it embodies the 42 ABW’s Mission: “Prepare For Combat …and Prepare Others For The Same!”
The Airmen were challenged to acquire and then demonstrate combat readiness skills in the areas of mission command, weapons training, creation of mission-type operation orders, improvised explosive device and unexploded ordnance awareness, small unit tactics, Helicopter insertions, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
This exercise supports the new Air Force Force Generation model and the multicapable Airman mindset, as it forces the exercise participants to analyze the intelligence, and then solve dynamic problems with very limited recourses. The AFFORGEN model ensures a sustainable force offering of Airmen and airpower to the Joint Force. This Readiness Reset Exercise aimed to build cohesiveness, develop teams of similar skill sets and foster esprit de corps through ACE and MCA concepts to ensure mission success.
The exercise culminated with the Airmen flying on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to Maxwell’s Vigilant Warrior site north of the base to execute the acquired concepts during the Crusader Challenge on the final day of the exercise. The Alabama Army National Guard assisted with the effort by providing the helicopters for exercise.