Photo By Spc. Samuel Puleo | U.S. Soldiers assigned to 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, prepare to...... read more read more
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MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. — U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps conducted a Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (RADR) exercise at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina on June 10, 2026. The exercise demonstrated the Army's ability to restore critical airfield infrastructure and support joint force operations in contested environments.
The training brought together engineer Soldiers to assess, repair and restore simulated damage to an airfield runway under realistic operational conditions. The exercise tested the brigade's ability to rapidly respond to airfield attacks, clear debris and repair damaged surfaces to return the runway to operational status as quickly as possible.
Rapid Airfield Damage Repair is a critical capability that enables military forces to sustain air operations during large-scale combat operations and contingency missions. By restoring damaged runways and taxiways, engineer units help maintain freedom of movement for aircraft delivering personnel, equipment and supplies.
"The overall intent behind this exercise is to have our organic platoons who specialize in airfield damage conduct concrete airstrip repair on an airfield at night at Joint National Guard Base McEntire," said Capt. Joshua Rudis, the officer in charge of RADR operations for the exercise. “We train as we fight, simple as that. So being able to do this allows us to get reps and sets at the thing we are expected to do anywhere in the world.”
During the exercise, Soldiers employed specialized equipment and repair techniques designed to identify crater damage, remove debris and reconstruct runway surfaces capable of supporting military aircraft operations. Teams worked against the clock while coordinating movement, communications and safety procedures to replicate the demands of a real-world operational environment.
The exercise also strengthened interoperability between Army engineers and the Air National Guard while reinforcing the importance of readiness across the force. Training events such as RADR ensure engineer formations remain prepared to support commanders with mobility, survivability and sustainment capabilities whenever and wherever required.
Capt. Rudis observed the event to evaluate procedures and identify opportunities to improve future airfield repair operations. The training provided Soldiers with valuable hands-on experience while validating tactics, techniques and procedures under realistic conditions.
"McEntire provides us with a unique opportunity to come and execute real world training," said Rudis. “Not only is it close in proximity to Fort Bragg, but it also enables us to have conversations with our joint partners in regards to the exercise both for execution and condition setting.”
The 20th Engineer Brigade routinely conducts training across a range of mission sets to maintain readiness in support of the Army and the Air National Guard. Exercises such as Rapid Airfield Damage Repair help ensure Soldiers are prepared to respond to emerging threats and preserve critical infrastructure necessary for operational success.
By training in realistic environments alongside joint partners, the brigade continues to enhance its ability to support combat operations, increase survivability and enable freedom of maneuverability for U.S. forces.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2026 14:15 |
| Story ID: | 568492 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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