JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Change isn't on the horizon; it's here. In today’s dynamic threat landscape, maintaining the ability to exert power from anywhere across the globe is paramount. Adapting strategically to the demands of modern warfare, Joint Base Langley-Eustis is implementing a continuous series of Agile Combat Employment training exercises, enhancing its role as a premier power projection platform.
ACE is a crucial concept in today's contested environments. It involves shifting operations from centralized bases to a network of smaller, dispersed locations. When executed effectively, this approach complicates the enemy's targeting process, creating operational dilemmas for adversaries.
In 2024, JBLE has so far hosted two large-scale ACE exercises, each comprised of over 120 Airmen from across 32 units, to physically and mentally prepare warfighters to successfully operate when deployed. Regardless of their career field, every Airman should be equipped with essential skills to protect the base and respond effectively in critical situations.
“ACE requires us to change the way we prepare for the future fight, we have to pull everyone together,” said Col. Matthew Altman, Commander, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. “We’re not going to be able to make everyone proficient at every different trade, but we need to equip our Airmen with the skills they may need in the contingency environment.”
The implementation of continuous ACE training is not only to equip JBLE Airmen with tangible and tactical skills; it's about forging mental grit and resilience. Just as physical strength is built through hard sets and relentless repetition, an ACE mindset is something every member of the fighting force must adopt through training. This mental toughness ensures they are ready to face any challenge when called to action.
“Our ACE training has been organized as a three-phase approach: crawl, walk, run.” said Senior Master Sgt. James Gray, 633d Air Base Wing Plans and Programs. “By emphasizing hands-on experiences aimed at providing our Airmen with quality, memorable training, we are preparing them to be mission-ready.”
In February, the team focused on essential skills such as land navigation, pallet familiarization, and shelter construction. In March and April, motivational keynote sessions were launched to mentally prepare Airmen for the realities of combat. May’s ACE exercise expanded to include crew-served weapons familiarization, tactical combat casualty care, heavy equipment operations, and up-armored vehicle operations.
“Looking forward to August, we have plans for mass casualty simulations, combatives training, intel briefs and POW speakers,” Gray explains. “All of these efforts will culminate in the final exercise scheduled for October, where they will integrate their skills to effectively stand up and operate a forward base.”
At his first all call as Commander of Air Combat Command at his JBLE immersion in June, General Ken Wilsbach underscored the significance of implementing “a little bit of ACE” in the everyday lives of all Airmen.
In embracing Agile Combat Employment, JBLE demonstrates readiness and resilience in today's evolving warfare landscape. By equipping Airmen with essential skills and fostering a mindset of adaptability, JBLE enhances its capacity to project power globally. The commitment to ACE ensures that JBLE remains at the forefront, ready and resilient for any conflicts that may arise.