6th MSG: “Ready to Take the Fight to the Enemy”

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES

Story by Airman 1st Class Scott Warner

6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 6th Mission Support Group completed a two-day deployment readiness exercise for 233 Airmen across six squadrons, July 24 and 25, at MacDill Air Force Base.

During training, five stations were set up to teach Airmen combat survival skills as well as simulate real-life scenarios they could expect to see while deployed.

“The 6th MSG is ready to support MacDill missions 24-7, 365,” said Col. Eddie Phillips, the 6th MSG commander.

One of those missions is to support the fight downrange.

“It’s important to take time and ensure we are ready to take the fight to the enemy, anywhere in the world, under any conditions,” added Phillips.

Airmen honed their skills operating and maintaining the M-4 carbine, operating handheld radios and effectively utilizing mission oriented protective posture gear in an austere environment.

In addition, participants refreshed their knowledge performing post-attack reconnaissance sweeps, self-aid buddy care, identifying unexploded ordnances, and operating transition points and decontamination lines.

“The 6th MSG’s number one priority is readiness,” said Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Malyemezian, the 6th Contracting Squadron superintendent.

Malyemezian explained further it was very important the 6th MSG utilize career field experts, like the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, to teach MSG Airmen about different types of explosives.

“This training focuses on functional areas that are not regular for us, and yet, are absolutely vital for deployment,” Malyemezian added. 

Throughout the two days of training, participants such as a 6th FSS force management technician, Airman 1st Class Brooklynn Magruder, gained valuable insight for use in a dire situation.

“Before today, I didn’t know what to do if someone charges or challenges me,” said Magruder. “It’s really nice to be knowledgeable on things like self-defense and self-aid buddy care that might save someone’s life.”

Additionally, this training benefits Airmen in areas they normally don’t see in their day-to-day jobs, further developing their understanding of the mission.

Though the U.S. military is the most combat tested force in U.S. history, Phillips believes it’s vital to exercise these skills at home.

“Simply put, we must be ready for the full spectrum of warfare to ensure our nation’s future,” Phillips emphasized.

Getting back to the basics of what it means to be in the military is a fundamental objective of deployment training and it is something that every Airman needs to know before deploying.

“We’re Airmen first and our specialty second,” said Malyemezian. “We never know when or where we are going to be deployed, but we need to be ready.”