Airmen Sharpen Tactics in Base Defense Drill

The 908th Operations Support Squadron recently concluded three-unit training assemblies of Ready Airman Training with a base defense exercise at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. This comprehensive training aimed to develop warrior ethos and readiness among Airmen through a phased approach: crawl, walk, run. Over several months, participants engaged in computer-based learning on war laws, threat response, survival tactics, and more.

The exercise planners emphasized realistic threat anticipation to build confidence in deployed environments. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Lehmkuhl, 908th OSS commander, highlighted the importance of empowering Airmen, saying, “I intentionally didn’t assign roles or involve supervisors to encourage leadership development at all levels and promote the next-man-up mentality.”

During the final phase, the exercise simulated escalating threats, including rocket launches, firefights, and medical emergencies, allowing Airmen to practice defensive responses and leadership. Despite some communication challenges, the exercise was considered a success, reinforcing critical skills and showcasing the squadron's readiness for real-world operations.