DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Airmen of the 94th Airlift Wing displayed their commitment to readiness and excellence as they took part in “Warrior Week – Ready Airmen Training” at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., from Sept. 11-15, 2023. Over the course of the week, Airmen from across the Wing took part in different training and exercises that were geared towards preparing and equipping them to operate and perform in contested deployed environments.
The training comes alongside the transition from an older Air Expeditionary Force deployment model to the newer Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, which ensures a sustainable force offering of Airmen and airpower to the Joint Force mission. The purpose is to ensure that members of the Air Force are always ready and prepared to operate in and respond to combat situations at a moment’s notice, as well as to deter potential threats.
Ensuring that Airmen are equipped and prepared is a key component of conflict deterrence. Col. L. Michael Ballard, vice commander of the 94th Airlift Wing, quoted President Ronald Reagan when addressing the Airmen of the 94th: “The most fundamental paradox is that if we're never to use force, we must be prepared to use it and to use it successfully. We Americans don't want war and we don't start fights. We don't maintain a strong military force to conquer or coerce others. The purpose of our military is simple and straightforward: we want to prevent war.”
Over the course of the week, Airmen participated various in exercises and courses ranging from Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) to Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. These trainings are designed to simulate or prepare for real-world scenarios and challenges that Airmen may encounter during combat in a deployed environment. The key components of these training included tactical operations, combat readiness drills, survival training, equipment familiarization, and team-building exercises.
The benefits of the Warrior Week Ready Airman Training are manifold. Airmen emerge from this training with enhanced readiness, having mastered critical expeditionary skills and built confidence in their abilities. The strong bonds forged through teamwork further bolster their effectiveness during missions, and the adaptability they gain ensures they can respond to evolving threats and circumstances.
“Warrior Week provided a foundation to building the Air Force we need in order to Execute AFFORGEN,” said Ballard. “The expeditionary skills our Airmen acquired this week will ensure they can execute agile combat employment mission sets.”
The completion of the "Warrior Week Ready Airman Training" by the 94th Airlift Wing stands as a testament to the unit's dedication to maintaining a highly skilled and agile force capable of responding to global challenges. Their unwavering commitment to readiness not only ensures the Wing's preparedness for any mission but also reaffirms the United States Air Force's mission to protect and serve.