Unique exercise prepares defenders for austere conflict

Published April 23, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile
919 SOW

DUKE FIELD, Fla. --

Citizen Air Commandos from the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron completed a four-day field training exercise recently designed to enhance their readiness and ability to apply appropriate force while defending an austere position. This was the first event of its kind and encompassed the entire squadron.

Two Airmen in OCP uniform carry another Airman in a flight suit who has his arms on their shoulders. An Airman just behind them is looking at the camera while holding a weapon. — Airmen from the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron carry a simulated injured pilot during their 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron 2023 exercise at Duke Field, Florida, April 3, 2023. The goal of the exercise was to complete all the necessary annual training requirements of security forces Airmen in the 919th SOSFS in a fast-paced and variable environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)

The exercise tested skills necessary for fast-paced operations in foreign environments. Airmen constructed deployable tent systems and used a makeshift base as a launching point for the simulated missions. Some of the scenarios included oppositional forces where Airmen were required to gauge appropriate force and procedures. The scenarios were designed by Tech. Sgt. Christina Knepper, 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron Non-Commissioned Officer.

“These scenarios prepare troops for real life situations,” said Staff Sgt. Dan Ordoqui, 919th SOSFS cadre for the exercise. “It conditions them to perform effectively and appropriately while under stress or duress.”

Two Airmen are holding weapons on a hill, one in the foreground walking towards the other who is kneeling while looking into the distance. — 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron Airmen stand patrol on a hill during the squadron’s 2023 exercise at Duke Field, Florida, April 3, 2023. Airmen faced obstacles and oppositional forces that they had to handle with an appropriate amount of force during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)

Airmen performed missions on an impromptu and evolving schedule. They convoyed out to remote locations and performed the assigned and often unfamiliar tasks. One of the missions involved locating and recovering a simulated downed pilot. They navigated through dense underbrush and longleaf pines of the Eglin Range while defending their team from the threat of oppositional forces.

The 919th SOSFS members learned troop leading procedures, movements, how to react to improvised explosive devices, land navigation techniques, personnel recovery, and personnel security missions.

A cadre fires a semiautomatic weapon, revealing a bright burst and loose shell from its chamber. — Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Callaghan, 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron cadre, performs a weapons check before engaging simulated oppositional forces during the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron 2023 exercise at Duke Field, Florida, April 3, 2023. During the exercise, security force members learned troop leading procedures, movements, how to react to improvised explosive devices, land navigation techniques, personnel recovery, and personnel security missions while working as a team to accomplish their goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)

Airmen from the 919th Special Operations Communications Squadron also assisted with radio communications from a hub tent complex.

“This is a good way to show how communications troops can be successful in the field,” said Tech. Sgt. Zachary Villarreal, 919th SOCS expeditionary communication assistant flight lead and exercise participant. “Participating in these kinds of exercises reiterates the importance of tactical communications. We were out here providing radio capability back to headquarters and others in the field.”

The 919th SOCS team’s expertise helped security forces overcome line-of-sight communication barriers.

During the field training exercise, Airmen were divided up into teams. Each team had an embedded communications Airman that acted as a mobile radio specialist. Their role included assembling, deconstructing, and transporting antenna systems to ensure clear transmission in the dense forests.

“Having someone on the ground who can use the array of communications equipment will be a major capability in future conflict,” said Villarreal.

The exercise ended in a blitz of gunfire as the team’s camp was overrun by oppositional forces. Students stood their ground and successfully defended their positions.

“Rigorous training is essential to maintain our mission readiness,” said Ordoqui. “We sweat more in times of peace so we can bleed less in times of war.”