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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Nov. 18, 2021

137 SOW exercises Mission Sustainment Teams, develops multi-capable Airmen for tomorrow’s fight

By Senior Airman Alex Kaelke 137th Special Operations Wing

The 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) began Mission Sustainment Team (MST) training, which will create multi-capable Airmen ready to sustain livable conditions in deployed environments Nov. 5-7, 2021, in Oklahoma City.

Fifty-five Airmen from five squadrons within the 137th Special Operations Mission Support Group learned a variety of new skillsets including forklift driving, radio communications and aircraft refueling. The purpose of this cross training is ensuring long-term mission sustainment, making Airmen more capable to operate in diverse deployed environments. 

“MST is based off the concept that we have to become more flexible and agile in how we respond to our adversaries,” said Chief Master Sgt. Alquintin Steele, the senior enlisted leader of the 137th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. “We’re no longer in an environment where it’s about how we can win the war, but it’s how we can sustain conditions long-term and be able to move into different environments quickly.”

MST training emphasizes proper pacing and good communication. For one MST exercise, Airmen refueled an MC-12W aircraft in a simulated hostile environment. The 137th SOW is one of two Air National Guard wings leading the charge in adapting how Airmen are trained in response to ever-changing threats. 

“I think it’s very important for us to become multi-capable Airmen instead of having Airmen only proficient in one specialty,” said Steele. “MST involves combining the skillsets of Airmen from multiple Air Force specialties into a quick-response force to help out wherever we’re needed.”

Video by Sgt. Haden Tolbert
OK Guard, Air Force units conduct joint MEDEVAC training at Tinker AFB
Oklahoma National Guard
Jan. 28, 2025 | 1:30
Airmen from the 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, teamed up with Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, 90thTroop Command for a joint medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training exercise at the Glenwood Training Area, Jan. 28, 2025.
During the exercise, combat medics practiced patient stabilization, MEDEVAC calls, and loading procedures while coordinating closely with the OKNG pilots conducting helicopter insertions in austere environments. These types of joint training operations are essential for ensuring cohesive procedures between multiple branches in real-world combat scenarios.

CG:
00:44-00:48
Col. Abby Ruscetta
72nd Air Base Wing Commander, Tinker Air Force Base
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