MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- In an effort to refine and enhance Airmen's combat competency and mission readiness for great power competition and contingency operations, the 42nd Air Base Wing is set to launch Combat & Mission Ready Airman Training Day on the third Thursday of every month starting this January.
This new initiative underscores the wing's commitment to preparing Crusaders for combat and developing their skills to be mission ready for future challenges while balancing day-to-day mission requirements. The goal of the monthly training day initiative is to synchronize training dates and times across the wing so potential impacts can be minimized and create a predictable battle rhythm.
Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Vaden, 42nd ABW command chief, emphasized the importance of dedicating time to readiness to create mission-ready, combat-credible Airmen.
"It is paramount that we invest in our Crusaders now to ensure they are prepared for the full spectrum of current and persistent, emerging threats." said Vaden. "We simply can’t wait, today may be our last opportunity to get it right. We will dedicate adequate time to develop our nation's Airmen to be mission ready and that can easily assimilate as integral parts of deployed combat service support teams while balancing our day-to-day mission requirements. We are the Profession of Arms, it is what our nation requires of us, and we will deliver!"
To facilitate this new training schedule, there will be limited customer support for certain base functions on training days. Base support organizations will primarily focus on providing support for emergent needs only while the training is conducted. However, not all services will be impacted by these changes.
These monthly wing training events are scheduled to initiate January 16, 2025, and will consist of combat readiness, Ready Airman Training, and multi & cross-functional training, which will focus Airmen on prioritizing mission over function; this will also help to build a more cohesive and effective team.
"Team 42 is committed to ensuring our Crusaders are well-prepared for any challenges they may face, and this combat and MRA focused program is an important step in achieving this goal," said Col. Shamekia Toliver, 42 ABW commander. "The wing looks forward to seeing the positive impact that this new training initiative will have on the readiness and competency of our Crusaders as we field a winning team to deliver Airpower for our nation!"
Refer to the graphic above for a complete list of functions with adjusted customer support.