HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials concluded an annual readiness exercise here Nov. 4, aimed at evaluating the installation’s ability to mobilize personnel and resources for repaid deployment.
This scenario tested Team Hanscom’s ability to deploy 44 Airmen and resources on short notice.
“The intent of these exercises is to ensure that our organizations are ready to go and able to successfully complete the mission in a contested, integrated operating environment,” said Thomas Ruud, 66th Air Base Group Inspector General.
Hanscom AFB’s mix of military and civilian employees added an extra layer to the exercise, with all having critical roles.
“The civilians at the 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron were integral,” Ruud said. “They run the deployment control center and make sure transportation is running on schedule. They also make sure the materiel resources and personal protective equipment are ready to go.”
As part of the exercise, Airmen processed through the personnel deployment function line, receiving deployment orders and completing verifications of training, medical, legal, finance, and religious requirements before being cleared to board a simulated aircraft.
“People deploy individually or in small groups all the time, and we are used to processing those,” said 2nd Lt. Ashley Vazquez, 66th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight officer in charge. “This exercise tests whether all units on base come together and prepare a large group for deployment within a short period of time.”
The exercise’s final phase, Airmen moved to the installation’s Camp Patriot for a simulated deployment environment, where they applied the training in a field setting.
Officials stressed the value of conducting all aspects of the exercise real-time and in-person.
“Readiness exercises give us the opportunity to identify weaknesses in a safe, controlled environment,” Ruud said. “We can then assess the weaknesses and determine how to fix them before sending our troops downrange.”
Plans are underway for next year’s exercise, scheduled for summer of 2025.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2024 14:49 |
| Story ID: | 486102 |
| Location: | HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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