2nd Lt. Jason Pannell
More than 200 Airmen from multiple Air Force and joint military installations converge to form the 23d Air Task Force (ATF) comprised of the Command Echelon, A-Staff, and the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron (CABS) to take part in their first expeditionary skills exercise at the Fort Bliss Combat Support Training Range from June 7 to 19.
The 23d CABS Airmen are stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Columbus Air Force Base, Little Rock Air Force Base, McConnell AFB, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, where they focus on their Air Force specialties until coming together for Unit of Action (UoA) training.
While training under the 23d ATF at Fort Bliss, Airmen with the 23d CABS are learning the support functions needed to establish and secure a base in a deployed environment, regardless of their Air Force specialty.
“Mission Ready Airmen are an asset to any mission,” said Maj. Robert Ricci, 23d ATF A3, operations director. “Training in functions outside of our specialty increases readiness and lethality."
The exercise consists of two phases, each lasting approximately one week. During Phase 1, Airmen are practicing skills such as deployment in-processing, live firing, security vehicle maneuvers, foreign culture briefings and cargo aircraft loading.
In Phase 2, the ATF will establish a forward operating base in a simulated deployed environment on Fort Bliss and test command and control procedures through the Wing Operations Center.
The 23d ATF was established to implement the new Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model as a transition to the upcoming combat wing construct. The AFFORGEN model is designed to train and deploy Airmen stationed together to build more cohesive, mission-ready teams.
Lessons learned from the 23d ATF’s exercises and implementation of the AFFORGEN model will serve as a template for future combat wings, which will replace task forces.
“We are here to pave the way,” said the 23d ATF Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Danele Richardson. “Our efforts are shaping how future combat wings train, deploy and operate as well-rounded, cohesive teams ready for any mission in any theater.”
When they are not leading exercises at various locations, the 23d ATF’s Command Echelon and A-Staff operates out of Seymour Johnson AFB, where it plans, tests and evaluates how a combat wing can operate.
The task force has been based at Seymour Johnson AFB since 2024 and enters the “available to commit” phase of the AFFORGEN model in April of 2026. For more information about combat wings, ATFs, CABS and AFFORGEN, please refer to the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs article linked below.
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3776461/usaf-units-of-action-air-task-forces-defined-first-locations-announced/
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force return fire with blank ammunition at simulated enemies during a base defense demonstration as part of an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force act as enemies attacking a forward operating base during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force conduct a post-attack reconnaissance sweep during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23rd Air Task Force operate military defense vehicles to repel simulated enemy attacks during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force carry a wounded teammate to safety as they defend a forward operating base from a simulated enemy attack during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force take cover from enemy attacks while demonstrating base defense tactics during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force act as enemies attacking a forward operating base during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force distribute blank ammunition to prepare for base defense tactics during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Mission Ready Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron demonstrate aircraft cargo loading and unloading procedures for fellow Airmen during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 10, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Multi-Capable Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron demonstrate aircraft cargo loading and unloading procedures for fellow Airmen during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 10, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Multi-Capable Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron demonstrate aircraft cargo loading and unloading procedures for fellow Airmen during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 10, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Multi-Capable Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The ATF consists of a command element with an attached expeditionary A-Staff and Special Staff, Combat Air Base Squadron, and Mission Generation Force Elements with attached Mission Sustainment Teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Multi-Capable Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The Combat Air Base Squadrons are the Air Task Force’s primary base operation support element and provide sustainment, protection, and/or airfield management. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The ATF consists of a command element with an attached expeditionary A-Staff and Special Staff, Combat Air Base Squadron, and Mission Generation Force Elements with attached Mission Sustainment Teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The expeditionary skills exercise enhanced deployment readiness by training Airmen to operate in austere environments and perform tasks outside their primary career fields, reinforcing the Multi-Capable Airmen concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The Combat Air Base Squadrons are the Air Task Force’s primary base operation support element and provide sustainment, protection, and/or airfield management. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive live fire range training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 9, 2025. The ATF consists of a command element with an attached expeditionary A-Staff and Special Staff, Combat Air Base Squadron, and Mission Generation Force Elements with attached Mission Sustainment Teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive a cultural briefing during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 8, 2025. While training under the 23d Air Task Force they practiced critical support functions needed to establish and secure a base in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive vehicle training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 8, 2025. While training under the 23d Air Task Force they practiced critical support functions needed to establish and secure a base in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jason Pannell) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Air Task Force and 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive a cultural briefing during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 8, 2025. While training under the 23d Air Task Force they practiced critical support functions needed to establish and secure a base in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron strap into a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer for vehicle rollover training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 8, 2025. The Combat Air Base Squadrons are the Air Task Force’s primary base operation support element and provide sustainment, protection, and/or airfield management. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron receive vehicle training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 8, 2025. While training under the 23d Air Task Force they practiced critical support functions needed to establish and secure a base in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero) 
Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron strap into a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer for vehicle rollover training during an expeditionary skills exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 8, 2025. The Combat Air Base Squadrons are the Air Task Force’s primary base operation support element and provide sustainment, protection, and/or airfield management. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero)