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Weasel Victory 15-06 tests 20th FW Airmen

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  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing participated in operational readiness exercise Weasel Victory 15-06 here, May 27-28.

The two-day exercise is part of annual training which tests the combat readiness and capabilities of 20th FW Airmen through various simulated scenarios.

"One reason we have these exercises is to make sure we have good communication throughout the fog and friction of war," said Chaplain (Capt.) Robert Pitts, 20th FW chaplain. "We are going to face many challenges downrange, so it's best to figure out how we're going to deal with it while we're here."

The exercise was an opportunity for the wing to demonstrate its ability to employ forces under simulated combat conditions, sustain support during contingency operations, and meet Air Force standards for mission continuity in conventional and chemical environments.

"When you come out here try to be as prepared as possible," said Pitts. "But above all come ready to learn and keep a positive attitude."

The exercise is part of necessary training to provide combat ready Airmen and air power to combatant commanders downrange.

"We have to make sure the Airmen stationed here at Shaw are always prepared for contingency operations," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Seney, 20th Comptroller Squadron accounting technician. "We never know when we'll get called to the area of operations to perform these duties."

In order to accurately assess the combat capabilities of a wing it is imperative Airmen respond as they would in a real world situation.

"This is a learning environment," said Pitts. "Even if you fail it's not a complete failure. It just gives us the ability to close the gap between what we know and what we should know."

Operational readiness exercises are a vital evaluation tool used Department of Defense wide to ensure combat readiness.