MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 726th Air Control Squadron (ACS) “Hardrock” is ready to roll out a new deployment strategy after a two-week long agile combat employment exercise, August 19 - 30, 2024.
Airmen assigned to the 726 ACS simulated a deployment to two separate, isolated locations and built a battle management initial (BMI) site and a deployed radar (DR) site from the ground up without outside support. Both sites function together, mutually supporting each other, to enable agile operations.
Leadership from the three components of the 726 ACS (mission support, maintenance, and operations) all worked together to ensure the exercise was executed seamlessly.
“The purpose of this exercise is to figure out how we can take all of our equipment and move it to a location where we may not have full support, in order to provide effects including radar links and [communications],” said Capt. Brittnie Wedel, interim Readiness Section Flight Commander.
This exercise was the first time the 726 ACS has exercised this method of austere operations. Prior to this, they have deployed to locations where some type of support was already built up by other units.
“Being prepared to respond to world events in an efficient manner is crucial in this day and age to keep up with the pacing threat,” said Lt. Col. Jesus Burciaga, commander of the 726 ACS. “When the need arises, Hardrock is ready to go.”
The exercise got Airmen into the ACE mindset to teach them flexibility to accomplish the mission without the outside support that is available in uncontested environments. It allowed them to test their capabilities and validate procedures, as well as identify areas that need more attention. It emphasized preparedness and confirmed what the 726 ACS hoped to achieve: they are ready to pack up and head out the door in a relatively short period of time to provide radar and communications anywhere on the globe.
During the exercise, Airmen practiced unloading simulated C-17 Globemaster IIIs, convoying to the BMI and DR sites and establishing radar and communications. Airmen had opportunities to find unique ways to overcome challenges with manpower restraints and limited resources. They also found innovative ways to utilize legacy equipment in conjunction with new processes to be effective.
The 726 ACS worked closely with Tech. Sgt. Jacob Graczyk, assigned to the 366th Security Forces Squadron, who offered guidance and feedback on convoy operations, including formations, reporting procedures, and responses to simulated situations with local law enforcement, local civilians, and troubleshooting vehicle issues. This was the first time the 726 ACS has worked with the 366 SFS, and it set the tone for continued partnership.
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The 726th Air Control Squadron, "Hardrock", is a tenant unit of the 366th Operations Group. It reports to the Air Combat Command's 552d Air Control Group, 552d Air Control Wing, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. As a Control and Reporting Center (CRC), they are responsible for mobile, decentralized command and control of joint operations by conducting threat warning, battle management, theater missile defense, weapons control, combat identification, and strategic communications.