Mission Ready, Always: 908th SFS Train, Mentor, and Prepare for What’s Next Published June 12, 2025 By Senior Airman Erica Webster 908th Flying Training Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The mission was clear for members in the 908th Security Forces Squadron during a recent training; to sharpen their ability to operate in complex, high-stakes environments by engaging in hands-on, scenario-driven exercises. U.S. Air Force Citizen Airmen assigned to the 908th Security Forces Squadron prepare to enter a conex during a training exercise at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 3, 2025. During simulated urban operation exercises, Airmen train on coordinated movement, rapid threat engagement, and maintaining communication under pressure to further develop muscle memory, unit cohesion, and decision-making in tight quarters. This kind of readiness is vital for real-world missions like base defense, convoy operations, and joint deployments in urban conflict zones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res During the May Unit Training Assembly, 908th SFS members focused on the fundamentals of movement, team communication, and live handling of the M4 rifle and M18 pistol, while emphasizing the importance of preparing Airmen not just to perform, but to think and adapt under pressure. “This was all about getting boots on the ground and weapons in hand,” said Senior Airman Jayln Mozee, 908th SFS fire team member. Unlike static range exercises, participants were challenged to navigate real-world obstacles, like tight corridors and shifting objectives. Targets were placed on the move, environments were reshuffled between iterations, and teams were pushed to refine their ability to “read and react” in fluid scenarios. With half of the unit currently deployed, newer members like Senior Airman Shekinah Mukendi, have the opportunity to bring concepts learned in technical school into a real-world setting and receive on-the-spot mentorship from more experienced members. “In tech school, we’re told what to do or we do it on the computers and on our [Computer Based Trainings], but we don’t physically do it,” she said. “Learning from someone experienced was motivating. They were once where I am today and to see them progress to the level they’re at let me know practice makes perfect…the more I did it, the easier it got.” A U.S. Air Force 908th Security Forces Squadron member enters a conex during a training exercise at Maxwell Air Force Base, May 3, 2025. Defenders regularly participate in combat readiness training which reinforces essential combat skills needed in high-threat environments. When these skills are applied to urban combat training, their focus shifts on operating in complex settings such as buildings, alleyways, and multi-story structures where threats can come from any direction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res By working through each scenario, Mukendi and other new defenders learned how to operate as part of a synchronized team, while developing instincts and gaining knowledge that can’t be taught in a classroom. For more experienced defenders like Mozee, the training served as a way to sharpen skills and transform existing techniques. “At this level, we’re trying to add more tools in the toolbox for us to move and communicate more efficiently,” he said. “We want to explore different ways to pack corners and enter rooms, so we can cut down time getting to the target.” This mindset was on full display during the squadron’s participation in Nexus Forge in February of this year where they trained alongside active-duty Marine Corps and Army counterparts, and held their own. “A lot of us went to Nexus Forge, and I would say the 908th was prepared on all levels,” said Mozee. “We were able to show other units that we aren’t just preparing, but we work hard and know what we’re doing. We make the Air Force Reserve look good.” As the squadron continues to build on that momentum, members are looking to integrate new components into their local training program. Among the priorities: incorporating Maxwell Air Force Base’s K9 unit and exploring opportunities to train alongside Total and Joint Force allies to incorporate new tactics and strengthen interoperability across the defense enterprise. When Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, Lt. Gen. John Healy, asked the command to be ‘Ready Now!’ and ‘Transform for the Future’, the wing has consistently rose to the occasion and made one thing clear; Citizen Airmen aren’t here to just train. They’re here to serve, lead, and be ready to respond when the nation calls.