HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Members of the 419th Mission Support Group used a tabletop exercise on July 12 to practice Agile Combat Employment decision-making, refine planning and strengthen their understanding of command-and-control processes in rapidly changing environments.
The exercise gives planners a structured way to test assumptions and identify gaps in training, resources and processes. It also allows leaders to practice critical thinking while working through changing requirements, competing priorities and incomplete information. “This tabletop exercise specifically looks at command and control and how command teams receive and present information from the operational unit to area operations centers,” Maj. Susan DeHaan, 419th MSG director of the commander’s action group said. “It also fosters a culture of shared learning and develops paths to the Multi-Capable Airman concept and Mission Support Teams.” This collaborative environment enables personnel to evaluate the scenario through various lenses throughout the entire organizational hierarchy. “This training session is designed for Airmen and leaders at every level,” DeHaan said. “Junior Airmen gain exposure to the larger deployment picture, while noncommissioned officers and senior company grade officers practice decision-making and leading teams. Senior leaders can assume higher headquarters roles and train on command-and-control processes.” Under the ACE concept, NCO’s and CGO’s may be expected to lead Mission Support Teams with limited time and changing information. The exercise gives them a controlled environment to build mission command skills before applying them during training or real-world operations. Repetition helps participants become familiar with the plan, understand their capabilities and build resilience. Practicing in a controlled setting can turn deliberate preparation into muscle memory before Airmen face similar demands during a readiness exercise or mission. “Whether utilizing hands on training or another tabletop exercise, these events serve as vital instruments for enhancing unit and Airman proficiency,” DeHaan said. “Through these sessions, we cultivate resilience by operating in controlled settings, ensuring that execution becomes instinctive when the mission demands it. We refine our capabilities by repeatedly testing our plans against opposing forces long before arriving on the field.”