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AFGSC, JIATF-401 Conduct Multi-Command C-sUAS Qualification at Camp Guernsey

Wednesday, July 1st, 2026

CAMP GUERNSEY JOINT TRAINING CENTER, Wyo. —

Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing joined personnel from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Strategic Command and the Air National Guard for a counter-small unmanned aircraft systems firing qualification conducted in partnership with Joint Interagency Task Force 401, May 14-15.

As the battlefield continues to evolve, tactics, techniques and procedures must adapt alongside emerging threats. One of the most rapidly developing areas is the C-sUAS environment, where technology, training and operational requirements are evolving quickly.

In August 2025, the Department of War established JIATF-401 as the department’s lead organization for synchronizing efforts to rapidly deliver C-sUAS capabilities at scale to defend the homeland, protect U.S. and allied forces, defend critical infrastructure and assist federal agencies. JIATF-401 has one measure of effectiveness: rapidly delivering state-of-the-art C-sUAS capabilities to warfighters at home and abroad.

The two-day firing qualification tested and enhanced operators’ ability to engage ground and aerial targets at varying distances using technologically advanced small arms target acquisition systems.

“Protecting our power projection platforms is a critical component of enhancing warfighter lethality,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “I am grateful for the partnership with the 90th Missile Wing, Air Combat Command, and Air Force Global Strike Command that is enhancing C-sUAS training to keep our warfighters, installations and critical assets safe from drone threats.”

Beyond supporting department-level C-sUAS objectives, the qualification also provided 90th MW personnel with hands-on experience using emerging capabilities that support AFGSC’s broader modernization efforts and strengthen the wing’s national security mission.

The C-sUAS qualification comes as AFGSC continues to modernize the tools and platforms that support missile field security and nuclear deterrence. With the transition from Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, commonly known as Humvees, to Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, and the replacement of UH-1N Hueys with MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, the command is adapting its capabilities to meet current and future security demands. C-sUAS training represents another layer of that modernization, preparing defenders to counter emerging unmanned threats to critical assets, personnel and the intercontinental ballistic missile mission.

“The system is a game changer,” said Col. Jeremy Sheppard, 90th Security Forces Group commander. “When you hear one of our young defenders say they feel more confident and prepared, that’s the metric that matters most to me as a commander. That confidence born from having the best tools and training, translates directly into a more lethal and decisive force on the ground. This isn’t just about fielding new technology; it’s a direct investment from our major command in our most critical weapon system: the individual defender. We are sharpening the spear at every level, and this is what it looks like.

For the Airmen who participated, the qualification offered direct experience with systems designed to counter emerging threats and improve defender readiness in operational environments

“This training makes me more effective by giving me hands-on experience with systems designed to counter hostile drones,” said Senior Airman Preston Reiger, 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron sUAS/C-sUAS specialist. “It shows the wing is taking C-sUAS seriously and actively building another layer of defense to protect our mission, assets and personnel.”

The C-sUAS firing qualification provided practical experience with capabilities designed to meet an evolving threat environment. Through continued collaboration with C-sUAS organizations like JIATF-401, the 90th MW is strengthening its ability to defend the nation’s ICBM mission today while preparing for the security challenges of tomorrow.

Story and photos by SSgt Michael A. Richmond

90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post | Comments Off on AFGSC, JIATF-401 Conduct Multi-Command C-sUAS Qualification at Camp Guernsey

Space Force Integrates with Air Force in AI Sprint to Ensure Mission Dominance

Sunday, June 28th, 2026

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – To secure mission dominance in a future, contested environment, the Joint Force must make decisions faster than any adversary. This imperative was the driving force behind the Multi-Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming, or MASH, a complex, two-week experiment recently hosted in Las Vegas.

Building on the successes of previous single-function Decision Advantage Sprints for Human-Machine Teaming experiments, the MASH marked a significant evolution by integrating an ensemble of artificial intelligence and automation software services from the first three DASH events. For the first time, U.S. Space Force Guardians joined Airmen to work side-by-side with software developers, evaluating how these disparate tools can effectively integrate to solve complex problems across the air, space, cyber, maritime, and ground domains.

“The Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control Campaign Plan demands that we make better, timelier decisions,” said U.S. Air Force Col. John Ohlund, Advanced Battle Management System Cross-Functional Team director. “By incorporating AI into our battle management architecture, we are ensuring our operators can rapidly process vast amounts of data and deliver lethal effects faster than ever before.”

Conducted within a dedicated Shadow Operations Center-Nellis facility in Las Vegas, the MASH experiment set the stage for this strategic collaboration, led by the Department of the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System Cross-Functional Team. The experiment was executed in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab, U.S. Space Force, and the 805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the ShOC-N, further reinforcing the collaborative effort required to deliver decisive combat power for the Joint Force. Furthermore, four allied nations observed the experiment, gaining insights into the U.S. approach to integrated architectures and setting the foundation for future interoperability.

Space Force Integration: A Critical Milestone

A defining feature of the multi-decision sprint was the active participation of Space Force Guardians. Moving beyond observational roles, Guardians were “in the seat,” directly influencing the development of battle management tools that encompass the space domain.

“Working with Air Force battle managers opened my eyes to how the air domain tackles these challenges. Their focus on tempo, synchronization, and rapid Courses of Action iteration mirrors what Space Force needs, especially when dealing with contested electromagnetic environments,” said U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Abby Warner, 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron deputy flight commander. “Turns out our decision-making headaches are similar across domains, and Transformational Model-based services adapt quickly to space ops.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Ellsworth, ABMS Cross-Functional Team integration lead, agreed.

“There are parallels to decision advantage requirements between the air and space domains, especially during major combat operations where all domains are contested,” Ellsworth said.

He noted that the next step for the DAF’s solution to battle management is to continue integrating with each service’s modernization approach to data and decision-making. The battle management software solutions tested at the MASH are “directly translatable” to Navy, Marine Corps, and Army partners, emphasizing that this collaboration is the next pivotal step in providing “combat multi-domain power” for the “Total Joint Force.”

U.S. Space Force Col. Teina Stallings-Lilly, ABMS Cross-Functional Team deputy director for space operations integration, emphasized the long-term impact of this integration.

“As the operations integrator between the services, my goal is to bridge the gap between our domains,” Stallings-Lilly said. “By having our Guardians in the seat for this experiment, they are seeing the direct applicability of these AI tools and, in turn, are providing the expertise needed to build a truly integrated DAF Battle Network.”

Stallings-Lilly explained that the DAF is moving beyond simple decision support systems to field capabilities that process information at machine speeds. This sprint, she noted, is fundamentally about building a human-machine team that ensures operators can think faster and stay decisively ahead of any adversary.

The need for deep, cross-service integration extends far beyond the air and space domains, shaping the future of command and control.

“The reason we challenge the software to solve multi-domain problems is because that’s the reality of the future fight,” said Ohlund. “An Air Force air battle manager doesn’t have the authority to execute a space or cyber effect, but like any good staff officer, it’s their job to prepare the information and package the options for the general. We want the computers to do that work, to ruminate over every possible multi-domain effect; that way we can present the highest quality menu of decisions to the right commander, faster than ever before.”

WARTECH: Co-Creation for Rapid Fielding

This deep integration of multi-domain warfighters into the development process is a key component of the larger AFRL process known as WARTECH, which brings together warfighters, technologists, planners, and acquisition personnel to collectively develop operational concepts motivated by future force design and enabled by high-payoff science and technology.

“The DASH to MASH series is really a textbook example of what WARTECH is intended to accomplish and right in line with the Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management strategy for agile, rapid, and iterative fielding of software solutions to support immediate warfighter needs and long-term force modernization,” said Jeffrey Palumbo, AFRL C3BM Capability Area lead. “This approach of user-producer co-creation allows for proof of concept, energizes the industrial base, allows for early operator feedback to shape development, and sets us up to deliver chunks of decision advantage capability to the warfighter in a rapid and repeatable cycle.”

The MASH Ensemble: Perceive Actionable Entity, Match Effector, and Generate Battle COAs

The experiment challenged six industry software development teams and the ShOC-N’s own military software development team to build tools that address three core decision functions derived from the DAF’s Transformational Model:

PAE: Recommending what actions can be taken against a target.

Match Effector: Given a list of possible effects, ranking a capability or a set of capabilities best suited for the given effect, and repeating for each of the other provided effects.

Generate Battle COAs: Given a list of matched effect-effector pairs, adding the additional capabilities throughout the execution window needed to support the principal match, and repeating for each of the next ranked pair.

A major breakthrough of the event was the successful integration of these disparate vendor tools.

“AFRL has done incredible work building an orchestrator that ensures these different companies can exchange data, ontologies, and metadata seamlessly,” Ohlund said. “We are proving that a true plug-and-play, modular approach not only works, but it fosters continuous competition and allows the government to select the best-of-breed software services as they mature.”

The Warfighter as Expert Evaluator

Throughout the sprint, the Airmen and Guardians were tasked not just as operators, but as expert evaluators. Their mission was to stress-test the AI’s decision logic, identifying limitations and providing immediate feedback to the developers sitting directly behind them.

“This is a true co-creation environment where software developers work directly with warfighters to ensure the tools meet their exact needs,” said Elizabeth Frost, AFRL MASH lead. “The teams are eager for feedback and implemented changes rapidly. This collaborative effort paid off during the second week of the sprint, as we saw a remarkable increase in the volume and quality of courses of action submitted.”

The operational impact of this co-creation was immediate and undeniable for the tactical operators.

“A week ago, it took my team and me 50 minutes to an hour to get one tasking done. With the help of the tool, we were able to get five or six taskings done,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Sochia, 552nd Operations Support Squadron ABM. “Basically, in the amount of time that we can do one tasking, this tool gives us the data and accurate options to complete five or more additional taskings.

Delivering a Lethal, Integrated Future

The event also featured the ShOC-N’s military software development team, who built their own solutions alongside industry. According to Carlos Dye, the ShOC-N MASH software development team lead, the military developers focused on applying their direct operational experience to the coding process. Their approach ensured that the machine took the brunt of the data processing, while the human operator remained firmly in control of the final tactical decisions.

This unique environment, which physically co-located military operators, Airmen developers, and industry partners, was critical to the event’s success.

“The synergy we are seeing here… is what has been lacking in previous attempts to accelerate delivery of warfighter capability,” said Lt. Col. Wesley Schultz, 805th CTS/ShOC-N commander. “Our mission at the ShOC-N is to remove barriers to creative problem-solving, allowing us to turn innovative concepts like human-machine teaming into tangible, lethal capabilities at speed.”

A key factor in enabling that speed and synergy was the underlying technical framework. Elizabeth Frost, the AFRL MASH lead, noted that by establishing a common application programming interface and architecture, the team was able to provide a unified user interface. This meant that regardless of which vendor’s software was running in the background, the experience remained consistent and intuitive for the warfighter, proving that integrated tools deliver a far better outcome than isolated solutions.

Ultimately, the MASH experiment provided an actionable blueprint for the future of multi-domain operations. The event validated the DAF’s Transformational Model, proving that when battle management is broken down into specific decision functions with a common integration framework, machines can process data at a speed unmatched by humans.

Ohlund concluded, “By demonstrating that diverse, AI-enabled tools can integrate effectively within this model to accelerate the kill chain, the DAF has taken a critical step toward securing decision advantage for the Joint Force.”

Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, C5ISR, Guest Post, Space | Comments Off on Space Force Integrates with Air Force in AI Sprint to Ensure Mission Dominance

Eyes on the Skies

Saturday, June 20th, 2026

The 820th Base Defense Group (BDG) conducted counter-small unmanned aerial system (CsUAS) training, May 7, 2026, reinforcing its focus on preparing air base ground defense Airmen to operate in an environment increasingly shaped by unmanned aerial threats.

The training emphasized the purpose, intent and significance of CsUAS integration into base defense operations. Instructors highlighted the growing use of small unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance, surveillance and potential payload delivery, stressing the importance of early identification, rapid decision-making and integration of CsUAS considerations into existing defensive planning.

“My desire is for the Airmen to understand the importance of this system, with the additional understanding that we are trusting them to execute all battle drills in a moment’s notice to protect the base,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher DeLong, 822nd Base Defense Squadron (BDS) operations officer. “My Airmen, along with sister service members, will be responsible for ensuring our airspace is secured and defended from any hostile drones, so they must understand the enhanced responsibility they have.”

The purpose of the instruction was to establish a shared baseline of understanding across the force. Airmen were briefed on common small unmanned aerial system characteristics, threat indicators, employment methods and hands-on simulated incident instruction. The course also reinforced how CsUAS awareness must be incorporated into routine defensive posture and not treated as a standalone capability.

“Day 1 consists of CsUAS basics and system familiarization. This is the foundation of a member’s ability to work the system efficiently to give leaders the best picture of the battlespace during a quick reaction to a CsUAS incident,” said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Eichner, 822nd BDS flight sergeant and CsUAS course instructor. “Days 2-5 consist of hands-on training through a simulator. The Airmen worked through several battle drills to ensure they are capable of relaying vital information up the chain and supporting and carrying out the decision to implement kinetic and non-kinetic defense measures. This is vital to the protection of personnel and PL assets.”

The intent of the training was to standardize knowledge and improve overall readiness across defensive teams. Instruction focused on how CsUAS capabilities fit within a layered defense approach, integrating sensors, communications networks and both kinetic and non-kinetic response options.

The significance of the training lies in its contribution to installation protection and mission assurance. As small unmanned aerial systems become more accessible and more frequently employed in contested environments, base defense forces are required to adapt their tactics, techniques and procedures to maintain effectiveness against emerging threats.

“My three main takeaways focus on teamwork, military advancement and adapting to threats,” said Staff Sgt. Sawyer Logan, 822nd BDS CsUAS program manager. “First, successful operations require a strong team of skilled operators working together to make fast, high-stakes decisions. Second, the military is constantly innovating and fielding new systems to better protect our bases and personnel. Finally, as our enemies improve their capabilities, we must also adapt to find faster, more efficient ways to counter them.”

The 820th BDG’s emphasis on CsUAS training reflects a broader shift toward integrated base defense operations that combine awareness, detection and response capabilities into a cohesive framework. By increasing Airmen’s understanding of the threat environment and available response options, the unit strengthens its ability to protect critical assets, maintain operational continuity and reduce reaction time during potential incursions.

The training concluded with a reinforcement of key principles and an emphasis on continued professional development as CsUAS capabilities and threat systems evolve.

Story by Senior Airman Iain Stanley

93rd Air Ground Operations Wing

Posted in Admin, Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post | Comments Off on Eyes on the Skies

U.S. Air Force Awards GA-ASI Production Contract for FQ-42A CCA

Friday, June 19th, 2026

Company Will Produce Service’s New Uncrewed Combat Jets

SAN DIEGO – 17 June 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The initial order is a significant milestone, beginning the delivery of production aircraft to the warfighter. GA-ASI designed, developed and flight-tested FQ-42A on an accelerated schedule unlike any fighter in recent history.

“This is an exciting day for our company and the nation,” said company President David R. Alexander. “Moving to production on FQ-42A is the result of an extraordinary partnership and many years of investments between General Atomics and the U.S. Air Force. We’ve been preparing for this order, and manufacturing is already well underway.”

The FQ-42A is a purpose-built, uncrewed fighter developed as part of ongoing investment in next-generation semi-autonomous combat aircraft. The aircraft’s modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems and mission autonomy software. GA-ASI’s software architecture, demonstrated through live flight tests on multiple airframes, provides the foundation for human-machine teaming in complex combat scenarios.

The development effort by GA-ASI fast-tracked, with the aircraft moving from contract award to first flight in just 15 months, one of the fastest rollouts of a new fighter in history.

GA-ASI was selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the CCA program. The YFQ-42A successfully conducted its maiden flight in August 2025, validating a “genus/species” concept for rapid, modular, and low-cost uncrewed fighter aircraft development previously demonstrated in partnership with U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

GA-ASI’s approach enables a common core aircraft design that can be rapidly adapted for different mission sets and service requirements. GA-ASI’s Gambit Series concept for CCA envisions multiple variants that serve specific needs, including long-endurance surveillance; air-to-air superiority; air-to-ground strike and more.

GA-ASI has been building and flying uncrewed jets for nearly two decades, beginning with the company-funded, weaponized MQ-20Avenger® in 2008. The company’s XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station jet, developed in collaboration with AFRL, is a cutting-edge model for autonomous collaborative platforms with advanced airborne sensing and served as a flying prototype for the FQ-42A concept.

Pre-production versions of the new fighter were designated “YFQ-42;” with “Y” designating a prototype phase. The award of an Air Force production contract means the forthcoming aircraft will be among the first in history to carry the novel FQ designation: “F” for fighter and “Q” designating the platform is uncrewed.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on U.S. Air Force Awards GA-ASI Production Contract for FQ-42A CCA

DAF Updates Uniform Guidance for Chaplain Corps, Air Force Maternity Uniforms

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force released implementation guidance for the Chaplain Corps uniform and the new Air Force maternity wrap dress, June 15.

Chaplain insignia
As outlined in a Department of War announcement in March 2026, chaplains will now wear the chaplain insignia in lieu of officer rank insignia on the chest of the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, as well as the patrol cap, tactical cap and outer garments. There is no change to the chaplains’ service dress uniform.

While rank will no longer be worn by chaplains in OCPs, established customs and courtesies should still occur according to DAF Instruction 90-1201. Examples of standard customs and courtesies include:

• Officer-to-Chaplain Interactions (“When in Doubt, Salute”)
When two officers approach each other and the rank of one cannot be visually determined (as will now be the case with chaplains in OCPs), standard military courtesy dictates that they should mutually exchange a salute and a verbal greeting.

• Enlisted-to-Chaplain Interactions
This dynamic remains functionally unchanged. Because all military chaplains are commissioned officers, enlisted personnel and noncommissioned officers will use the chaplain insignia itself as the visual cue to initiate a salute, regardless of the chaplain’s specific grade.

• Prior Knowledge and Unit Familiarity
In most day-to-day operations at the wing or delta level, personnel are expected to know their chain of command and the leadership within their units. Officers and enlisted members will generally know the rank of their assigned chaplains (e.g., knowing that the wing chaplain is a lieutenant colonel). In these instances, the junior member initiates the salute based on prior knowledge rather than visual identification.

• Verbal Introductions and Address
When exact rank must be established for protocol or administrative reasons and is not visually present, it will be established through verbal introduction or title (e.g., “Good morning, Chaplain [Name]” or “Good morning, Major [Name]”). According to standard customs, chaplains may be addressed by their rank or by the title “chaplain.”

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)

Air Force maternity wrap dress

This new guidance also announces the Air Force maternity wrap dress may be worn as a mess dress, semi-formal and Class A uniform equivalent for Air Force pregnant Airmen, with a mandatory wear date of July 2030.

Name tags are not authorized on the mess or semi-formal configurations, but a metal engraved name tag is required for the Class A configuration.

The wrap dress is currently available in some stateside AAFES store locations, and all stateside locations are expected to be stocked by the end of this month. Overseas locations should expect stock within the next couple of months. The wrap dress will also be available soon on AAFES’s website.

Space Force Guardians are not authorized to wear the Air Force maternity wrap dress. They will continue to wear the Air Force jumper according to SPFI 36-2903. The new Space Force maternity uniform is currently in its prototype phase and set to be available to Guardians in 2027.

CAC-enabled Airmen and Guardians can read more about these policies on MyFSS:

• Chaplain OCP Uniform Reform

• Air Force Maternity Wrap Dress Guidance

– Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on DAF Updates Uniform Guidance for Chaplain Corps, Air Force Maternity Uniforms

KOR Delivers Custom Weapons Storage Solution to Air Force Reserve Command

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

4,000 Custom Systems Delivered in Eight Weeks, Supporting Secure Equipment Storage Across 25 U.S. BasesSCOTTSDALE, AZ. — KOR, developer of advanced protective transport and storage solutions, announced the successful delivery of 4,000 custom-configured storage systems to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), providing a scalable and highly adaptable solution for weapons and mission-critical equipment storage.

Developed in collaboration with AFRC leadership and end users, the custom KOR protective panel system (4217 SYS) was engineered to provide a universal storage platform capable of securely accommodating a wide range of prescribed weapons and associated equipment while maximizing protection during transport and storage.

To ensure operational effectiveness and mission readiness, KOR worked directly within AFRC commanders to develop first-article units and conduct equipment test fitting prior to production. This hands-on approach enabled the team to validate fit, functionality, and protection requirements before deployment across the command. KOR also partnered with SKB Cases to integrate its configurable protection technology within a rugged transport platform, creating a solution that combines the durability of military-grade hard cases with the flexibility of KOR’s reconfigurable protection system.

“Working closely with AFRC personnel allowed us to develop a solution that addressed both standardization and adaptability requirements,” said GP, Co-Founder of KOR.

“The result is a universal storage system capable of protecting a broad range of equipment while providing commanders with a scalable solution that can evolve alongside mission needs.”

The program moved from development to deployment at an accelerated pace, with KOR manufacturing and delivering 4,000 systems within eight weeks of project approval.

Today, KOR systems are fielded across 25 Air Force Reserve Command bases throughout the United States, supporting the secure storage, transport, and protection of critical equipment.

About KOR

KOR is a U.S. based innovator in modular protective systems, specializing in vacuum-rigidizing technology that redefines how sensitive and high-value equipment is transported, stored, and deployed. Built for durability, adaptability, and performance, KOR systems are trusted by operators and organizations that demand uncompromising protection.

“KOR isn’t just protecting equipment, it’s redefining how operators deploy, adapt, and move mission-critical gear in real time.”

Learn more:

?www.youtube.com/@kortechnik

www.kortechnik.com

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Warning Order: MAG Exchange 2026

Monday, June 15th, 2026

MAG Exchange 2026 for the Air National Guard and Air Reserve Component will be held 26 – 27, 2026 in Tucson, AZ and run concurrent with the ARC WEPTAC. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact PK at info@magexchangemil.com.

www.magexchangemil.com

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Air Commandos Make History: 492nd, 919th SOW Airmen Graduate Argentine Mountain School

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

BARILOCHE, Argentina — For the first time in United States Air Force history, two Airmen have successfully completed the rigorous mountain warfare course at the Escuela Militar de Montaña in Bariloche, Argentina, according to Director of the Argentine Mountain Warfare School, Col. Ignacio García Solórzano. The graduation of members from the 492nd Special Operations Wing and the 919th Special Operations Wing marks a major milestone, representing the first time in 20 years that any U.S. military personnel have completed the prestigious school.

Set in the unforgiving, rugged terrain of Patagonia, the mountain school is designed to push students to their absolute physical and mental limits. These Air Commandos faced a demanding curriculum focused on high-altitude operations, specialized cold-weather survival, and moving quickly through mountainous landscapes. Over several weeks, they mastered advanced rock climbing, complex rope safety techniques, and the use of single-rope bridges to cross dangerous mountain rivers.

“Prior to attending this school, I had completed extensive land navigation training in steep mountain terrain, hiked glaciers, and completed several multi-day trips. Nothing compared to the level of mountaineering we would endure during this course,” said the participating Airman from the 919th SOW. “They took what I had previously considered intense hiking and went vertical. While I had some experience, this school introduced an entirely new element: multi-pitch rock climbing.”

Beyond the tactical skills acquired, the training served as a vital platform to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Argentina. U.S. Airmen trained alongside their Argentinean military counterparts, integrating into combined teams on dangerous terrain. This shared experience fostered mutual trust and “interoperability” — the ability for different nations’ militaries to work together seamlessly during a mission. The integration was so successful that one of the U.S. Airmen was voted by their classmates to receive the “Best Teammate Award,” a powerful testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect.

After initially graduating, both Air Commandos were invited to stay for the school’s instructor course. They both successfully graduated from this advanced cadre training and received an invitation from the Argentinean military to return as guest instructors for future iterations of the mountain school.

“When you look back at the legacy of the original Carpetbaggers in World War II, they forged new alliances through innovative intelligence and the drive to accomplish the impossible,” said Col. Zak Blom, 492nd SOW commander. “By mastering this course and becoming instructors alongside our Argentinean partners, these Airmen are writing the next chapter of that legacy — tackling challenges that haven’t been touched by U.S. forces in decades.”

Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 919th SOW commander, echoed the significance of the accomplishment.

“What these Air Commandos achieved in Patagonia is nothing short of historic,” Hurrelbrink said. “By conquering this environment and bridging a two-decade gap with Argentina, they proved the unwavering strength and reach of our international alliances.”

Breaking a two-decade hiatus since the last U.S. military participation in 2006, these achievements signal a renewed and highly active commitment to military cooperation between the two nations. By sending Air Force Special Operations Command personnel to one of South America’s premier mountain warfare schools and having them recognized as elite instructors, the U.S. Air Force is reinvigorating critical alliances in the region.

The successful completion of this course and the follow-on instructor training by the 492nd and 919th SOW Airmen directly enhances the global posture of U.S. special operations forces. By mastering mobility, survival, and instruction in extreme mountain conditions alongside international partners, these Air Commandos ensure they remain adaptable, lethal, and fully prepared to lead complex missions in any climb and any place.

Story by Elizabeth Easterling and MSgt Jonathan D McCallum

492d Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International, Mountaineering, Training | Comments Off on Air Commandos Make History: 492nd, 919th SOW Airmen Graduate Argentine Mountain School