The US Department of Defense has identified six bases to house experimental Air Task Forces (ATF) that will test new approaches for more unified unit deployment.
The program aligns with the US Air Force – Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model to improve the agency’s combat-ready teams against a wide range of threats and “rebuild” their readiness.
Selected bases include the Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, Fairchild AFB in Washington, Scott AFB in Illinois, Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina, and Dyess AFB and Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.
Each base selected will incorporate its own command echelon this summer.
Teams that will undertake preparations under the exploratory ATF framework are set to deploy as Units of Action by 2026.
“These pathfinding ATFs will work and train together throughout their AFFORGEN cycle to ensure they are at peak effectiveness on Day-1 of any deployment,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin explained.
“That’s a significant change from how we deployed over the last 20 years, but the threat has evolved and so must we. The first ATFs will also be learning organizations and shape our forthcoming Combat Wing design.”
The AFFORGEN Model
The US Air Force launched the AFFORGEN cycle to amplify training and exercises for airmen before they are operationally deployed.
The service wrote that implementing this system will provide “a common lexicon, more individual predictability, and greater alignment of readiness” among warfighters.
Additionally, combining the AFFORGEN model with the ATF program will sustain the air force’s “competitive advantage” over modern warfare challenges.
US Air Force Operations Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain further highlighted the importance of this modernization effort to rotational demands, increasing global challenges, and “high-end conflicts.”
“In all the ways that matter, this makes us better prepared,” Spain remarked.
“During the Prepare and Certify phases of the AFFORGEN cycle, Airmen will develop into cohesive units, attuned to each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
“This preparation is key to ensuring that, when deployed, these teams can operate effectively under pressure and achieve their objectives with precision.”