F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Twentieth Air Force recently partnered with the Office of Secure Transportation Special Response Force and the 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines for the 2024 Joint Training Exercise at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Over the course of three weeks, the exercise focused on refining skills in firearms handling, live-fire tactics, and recapture/recovery operations, essential for maintaining robust nuclear security capabilities.
“This exercise is an incredible opportunity to expand our skillsets, learn from our mission partners and allies, and refine tactics that are vital to our mission,” said Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, 20 AF commander. “The lessons learned here bolster our operational capabilities, ensuring we are prepared to defend and secure the nation’s critical assets.”
Participants from each group brought unique strengths to the exercise, enhancing interoperability and sharpening skills in a joint training environment.
In the first week, OST’s firearms qualification standards set the bar, requiring all participants to complete an advanced manipulation course before live-fire exercises. Week two centered around live-fire shoot house training, where personnel practiced complex room-clearing tactics and squad maneuvers.
"This JTX was designed to bring multi-national organizations that operate in similar environments with similar missions and objectives together to highlight tactic sharing and refine skillsets,” said MSgt Andrew Blascyk. “OST showcased years of nuclear security experience, the Commandos demonstrated their swift squad movements and intense action, and 20 AF Defenders offered in-depth After-Action Reports and debrief processes that OST has expressed interest in incorporating into their own training.”
The final week introduced force-on-force scenarios focused on recapture and recovery in an urban setting. Through consistent repetition and adaptability, each team refined critical tactics under simulated real-world conditions, bridging gaps between national and international training approaches.
"JTX ’24 promoted critical thinking across mission sets and provided a vital opportunity for each agency to learn from the other," said MSgt David Green. "This exercise not only strengthens our tactics but also contributes to the future of Nuclear Security Operations.”
JTX ‘24 underscored the importance of collaborative training and tactical innovation, setting a high standard for future joint operations in nuclear security. With the lessons learned from this year’s exercise, each agency returns with renewed commitment and enhanced skills, ensuring a reliable defense against any threat to national security.