Video story on Team McChord's participation in Gunfighter Flag 25-02, an exercise hosted by the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and also held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, November 13-21, 2025. Gunfighter Flag 25-02 was part of a larger wing exercise where Team McChord generated forces rapidly within 24 hours, simulated a deployment to a forward operating location, and conducted integrated training scenarios with F-35A Lightning II and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft.
It’s often said that the noncommissioned officer is the backbone of the U.S. Armed Forces. These experienced members of the enlisted corps are tasked with leading, mentoring, and guiding those assigned under their supervision. This is a profound responsibility that less than one percent of the nation is fulfilling or may fulfill. This means that the training the U.S. gives to its NCO corps must be as profound as their responsibilities...
