TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 72nd Air Base Wing tested its deployment capabilities from August 12-21 during Exercise WAR WAGON 25-04, culminating in a week of simulated combat operations for Airmen at the Glenwood Training Annex.
The exercise continues the “Year of Readiness” started at the beginning of 2025, enhancing the warrior ethos.
“This is a capstone qualification event designed to evaluate force readiness and enhance our ability to generate forces, sustain operations, and employ our forces in response to various threats and contingencies,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Bahr, 72nd Air Base Wing inspector general. “Our overall objective is to stress unit plans, processes, procedures and capabilities to better identify both strengths and weaknesses to maximize and improve combat readiness.”
To ensure maximum impact, the Wing Inspection Team, led by Bahr, devised a scenario all too real for many of the Airmen.
“Our scenario for Exercise WAR WAGON 25-04 centers around a deployment to the Indo-Pacific in response to increasing tensions in the region,” said Bahr. “As tensions continue to increase, commanders are directed to generate forces for deployment to forward operating locations.”
Over three weeks, Airmen assigned to 72nd ABW were subject to a range of scenarios designed to test their resolve in the face of adversity and their ability to react to the unexpected with agility.
GENERATE
Airmen dusted off their olive drab mobility bags to pack items needed in a deployed environment, leaving behind the comforts of home-station life but excited to utilize their skills.
After getting their bags packed, the Installation Deployment Center, operated by the 72nd Logistics Readiness and Force Support Squadrons, processed the Airmen for deployment. The inspection team evaluated personnel records, cargo preparation, and overall installation deployment plans.
SUSTAIN
Large-scale deployments create significant shifts in manning that must be accounted for and adapted to. Simulated deployers were removed from their unit to stress continued operations with limited personnel and resources. During this time several scenarios unfolded inside Tinker’s gates including a simulated active shooter, hazardous chemical spill, and a mass casualty event.
EMPLOY
Meanwhile, at the Glenwood Training Annex, Airmen dressed into Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear at 4 a.m. The earlier start time allowed the 72nd Security Forces Squadron and other deploying units to practice mission essential tasks in darkness.
“It gets really hot, especially in August, but being out there is fun.” said Airman 1st Class Ben Jiang, a 72nd Medical Group aerospace medical technician. “It’s very fast paced and intense. Things can go from peaceful to tragic in an instant. As soon as the alarms go off, you have got to be ready to get low or get on your feet and get out the door in MOPP gear.”
Personnel were tasked with setting up and securing a medical treatment facility and helicopter landing zone capable of receiving, treating, processing and evacuating patients, all while responding to simulated “Alarm Red” conditions. Tinker partnered with C Company of the Oklahoma Army National guard who provided a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to practice air evacuation procedures.
ENDEX
The completion of War Wagon 25-04 contributes to deterrence, guaranteeing that Airmen deployed downrange can do what is required to execute missions as a lethal fighting force.
“For many of our Airmen, this exercise will serve as the last opportunity to practice, refine and employ their wartime skillset prior to a real-world deployment,” said Bahr. “As Airmen progress through their career I hope they never have to employ any of their wartime skills; engage the enemy, don a gas mask, apply a tourniquet or evacuate one of their wingmen out of a combat zone, but if they are required to do so, they will execute to the best of their ability because of the foundation we have set for them in these exercises.”
He added, “Our nation demands that we ensure our Airmen are able respond, defeat and recover from any threat. Whether it’s a tornado, domestic terrorist event, chemical spill, or a full-scale combat operation – Tinker’s worst day will be met with our finest hour.”