Some 120 Air Force Reserve Command security forces airmen who recently traveled to Camp Smith, Tex., for two weeks of combat training got “sustainment training with a twist,” said Maj. Wes White, operations officers of the 610th Security Forces Squadron, NAS JRB Fort Worth, Tex. Participating in one of three AFRC Patriot Defender exercises this year, the Reservists earned their three-year sustainment credit by taking standard refresher training, such as vehicle searches, and today’s combat type training, such as convoy and urban operations.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
