12th Air Task Force Proves Readiness in First Certification Exercise

Published May 21, 2025
By Tech Sgt. Rion Ehrman
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

Over 300 Airmen from Scott Air Force Base, Little Rock AFB, Barksdale AFB, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis assembled at Robinson Maneuver Training Center and Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas, from May 12-16, 2025, for the 12th Air Task Force’s first certification exercise, focused on enhancing mission readiness in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

12th ATF Training at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center — 12th Air Task Force and 282nd Combat Communications Squadron Airmen construct a tent during training at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas, May 13, 2025. Led by the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron, the 12th ATF's first certification event brought together Airmen from Scott, Little Rock, and Barksdale Air Force Bases, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis at Combat Support Training Ranges, supporting the 12th ATF’s mission to serve as the Air Force’s ready unit of action for competition and combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons)

The multi-day event tested Airmen’s ability to operate in contested, austere environments through real-world scenarios. Key training objectives included Agile Combat Employment (ACE), dispersed sustainment, base and aircraft protection, and airfield operations. These objectives came to life through hands-on training, as Airmen defended simulated forward bases, executed dispersed logistics, practiced airfield control after tactical landings, and established resilient field communications networks.

“This was more than just a technical exercise,” said Staff Sgt. Tai Le, 12th Combat Air Base Squadron cyber transport supervisor. “These are things I never thought I’d be doing as a cyber communications Airman—setting up infrastructure in the field, defending a perimeter, identifying UXOs—but now I feel more prepared than ever for what lies ahead. It really tested our ability to stay focused and mission-ready under pressure.”

A key highlight of the event was the tactical arrival of a C-130J Super Hercules, which landed on a dirt strip to provide Airmen with realistic airfield operations training. The mission also supported the 19th Airlift Wing by enabling crews to complete dirt landing certifications. Following the landing, Airmen rapidly established forward-deployed communications centers, reinforcing their ability to operate in austere environments.

In addition to field communications and perimeter security, participants trained in full chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) gear, practiced unexploded ordnance identification, and enhanced battlefield response capabilities through Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

“Events like this ensure we’re not just trained—we’re ready,” said Maj. Christopher Payer, 12th Air Task Force exercise director. “It’s about building muscle memory in environments that closely replicate what our Airmen might face downrange. We’re training for agility, survivability, and mission continuity.”

“This was the 12th ATF's first certification event, and our team skillfully executed more than 100 scenario-driven events to measure 57 mission ready Directed Learning Objectives. What we accomplished here sets the standard for future Air Task Force operations, lays the foundation for deployable combat wings, and proves that our Airmen are ready to meet the demands of a dynamic and contested environment.”

Col. Scott Davis, 12th Air Task Force commander

This certification reinforces the Air Force’s focus on mission-ready Airmen and ACE principles, preparing units to operate independently and effectively across distributed locations.

12th ATF training at Robinson Maneuver Training Center — 12th Air Task Force leadership speaks to Airmen during training at Robinson Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas, May 14, 2025. Led by the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron, the 12th ATF's first certification event brought together Airmen from Scott, Little Rock, and Barksdale Air Force Bases, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis at Combat Support Training Ranges, supporting the 12th ATF’s mission to serve as the Air Force’s ready unit of action for competition and combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons)

“This was the 12th ATF's first certification event, and our team skillfully executed more than 100 scenario-driven events to measure 57 mission ready Directed Learning Objectives,” said Col. Scott Davis, 12th Air Task Force commander. “What we accomplished here sets the standard for future Air Task Force operations, lays the foundation for deployable combat wings, and proves that our Airmen are ready to meet the demands of a dynamic and contested environment.”

This certification sets the stage for the 12th ATF’s final joint exercise, where Airmen will face a simulated peer adversary in a full combat environment. The 12th Air Task Force continues to build Mission-Ready Airmen with the agility, resilience, and operational capability to succeed in any environment.