12th Air Task Force conducts first combat training at Tyndall AFB Published Nov. 21, 2024 By 2nd Lt. Faith Powers 375 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fl. -- Over 300 Airmen from three bases across Air Mobility Command came together Nov. 11-20 at Tyndall AFB for the 12th Air Task Force's first-ever training event, marking a key step in building Mission Ready Airmen for the Great Power Competition environment. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st. Class Emre Sparks, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, and air conditioning apprentice, lays prone as part of 12th Air Task Force training on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 18, 2024. Bringing together Airmen from Scott, Barksdale, and Little Rock Air Force Bases for the first time, the 12th ATF trains as a combat unit of action in preparation for deployment, strengthening U.S. joining force readiness in the Great Power Competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Led by the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron, the event brought the 12th ATF’s Combat Service Support Teams together for a series of classroom, hands-on, and scenario-based exercises aimed at strengthening joint-force integration, operational readiness, and combat effectiveness. These CSST Airmen came from Scott AFB, Illinois, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, and Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The 12th CABS developed a comprehensive training plan focusing on a broad range of critical skills, including pallet building, tent construction, convoy operations, search and recovery, tactical radio communications and other essential combat support capabilities. These skills were first introduced during initial “100 Level” training through Computer-Based Training. Progressing to the “200 Level” training gave Airmen the opportunity to apply these skills in a hands-on environment to practice and refine them during the training event. Right, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Steele, 2nd Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, helps Tech Sgt. Joseph Deneen, 2nd Communications Squadron team chief, hammer a tent stake into place as part of training for the 12th Air Task Force, on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. Bringing together Airmen from Scott, Barksdale, and Little Rock Air Force Bases for the first time, the 12th ATF trains as a combat unit of action in preparation for deployment, strengthening U.S. joining force readiness in the Great Power Competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Airmen from multiple career fields rotated through various stations, teaching and learning from one another. The instructions were modeled after the 801st Red Horse Training Squadron and taught during a Silver Flag exercise held the previous week. The event also included support from Combat Support Training Range (CSTR) sites, which play a key role in ensuring the success of large-scale, integrated training events for the Air Task Force. “The collaboration between the CSSTs from Scott, Little Rock, and Barksdale demonstrates how we are building a cohesive, adaptable force,” said Lt. Col. Cody Elliott, commander of the 12th CABS. “These exercises are not just about teaching technical skills—they are about fostering the teamwork and integration necessary to succeed in a joint-force environment.” Following the classroom and hands-on learning, the Airmen moved into a Field Training Exercise, where they applied their newly acquired skills in a series of realistic, combat-focused scenarios. The FTX was designed to simulate real-world scenarios, testing the CSSTs’ ability to collaborate, adapt, and execute missions in a dynamic environment. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cade Fairfax, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production craftsman, instructs 12th Air Task Force Airmen on the mobile aircraft arresting system on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 15, 2024. Bringing together Airmen from Scott, Barksdale, and Little Rock Air Force Bases for the first time, the 12th ATF trains as a combat unit of action in preparation for deployment, strengthening U.S. joining force readiness in the Great Power Competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The 12th ATF is scheduled to complete additional training in early 2025 at Fort Bliss, which will include weapons and combat training in collaboration with U.S. Army Task Force Black Scorpion. The CSSTs will continue to progress through their 100, 200, 300 and 400 Level training that reflects the Air Force Force Generation cycle, ensuring that 12th ATF Airmen are working through the pre-deployment process as a one unit of action. Col. Gabriel Arrington, 12th ATF commander, added, “As we continue to advance our training, the skills and cohesion built during this event will be the foundation for our future operations. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every Airman is ready to deploy as an integrated force capable of responding to any challenge.”