The 19th Combat Air Base Squadron conducted its Combat Support Training Range (CSTR) initiative at the Silver Flag training site at Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Florida, Jan. 17-21, 2026.
Over the course of a week, the 19th CABS members conducted their level 200 training tasks involving runway repairs, dismounted patrols, Aerial Port augmentee training and various other skillsets across multiple Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). The members were then able to showcase their newly gained tactical skills and competencies in a Field Training Exercise (FTX), where they demonstrated their ability to operate, adapt and win in any environment.
“The 19th CABS, the last two weeks, really showcased what that warrior mindset looks like,” said Senior Master Sgt. Austin Henrichsen, 19th CABS operations superintendent. “We have to be ready anytime, anywhere... we are stronger together from coming to this combat training range.”
This training allowed 244 Airmen from different 58 AFSCs to study each other’s jobs as part of the multi-capable warfighting mindset, enabling them to fill the gaps within certain fields and stay mission ready.
“Working across the aisle, collaborating, critically thinking and learning other people’s jobs really increases our morale, really increases our togetherness and our cohesiveness,” Henrichsen said.
This level of cross-training not only builds a better understanding of how other AFSCs contribute to the mission, but also emphasized the 19th CABS ability to move, communicate and execute as a cohesive combat-support team.
“They have a unity in this squadron that I haven’t seen with different career fields to come together and work as one,” said Senior Master Sgt. Melvin Silva, Air Force Installation Mission Support Center security forces functional area manager. “The 19th CABS this week showed they’re able to train themselves and that they can get at that mission ready Airmen [concept].”
To establish a setting of realistic, hands-on training, the squadron lived and operated in austere conditions; similar to what they’d encounter in a deployed environment. Silva praised the squadron for its ability to pick up, move and operate anytime, anywhere.
“It’s not easy to pack up and go to a new location and set up communications [and] provide meals for 200 people.” said Silva. “I feel [those challenges] turned into a strength for them because they started working more as a team.”
The 19th CABS set the new standard of the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, performing as a more agile, cohesive and combat ready force as one team with no seams
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