HAWAII
IDAHO Idaho Air National Guard Airmen train for combat
“Typically, we’re not deploying as a whole squadron of opera- tors,” said Master Sgt. Justin Clark, a JTAC program coordinator assigned to the 124th ASOS. “More likely, we’re getting sent individually or in pairs to support another ground combatant force. Maintaining proficiency in all things combat-related allows us to fully support our host units.” As the U.S. Air Force emphasizes multi-capable Airmen, degrading combat effectiveness isn’t an option, says Tech. Sgt. Matt Phillips, the exercise coordinator and TACP assigned to the 124th ASOS. “Our job is inherently multi-capable,” said Phillips. “When the aircraft are down for maintenance, we have to be ready for combat. With this familiarization training, we’re enabling our members to be 100% a weapons system while they’re down- range.” Between Idaho’s varied terrain and world-class military training ranges, exercising units can maintain proficiency and emulate combat scenarios in many environments. “We can train in high desert and in the mountains, in every element,” said Nelson. “Whether we’re in deep snow or in the desert, our training will allow us to be sustainable, long term.”
By Staff Sgt. Joseph Morgan 124th Fighter Wing | MAY 15, 2023
SAYLOR CREEK RANGE, Idaho - Special warfare tactical air control party Airmen with the 124th Fighter Wing’s Air Support Operations Squadron conducted combat proficiency training May 8-12 at Saylor Creek Air Force Range. TACP members coordinate air support to defend allied forces. The next step in a TACP member’s training is becoming joint terminal air controller certified. JTAC training focuses on proficiency with various weapon systems, vehicles and battle tactics.
Hawaii Army National Guard supports maui wildfire response
“Coming here, I had an idea of what I would deal with,” he said. “But when I started interacting with people who just wanted to go back to their homes and having to turn them away — it’s really hard.”
Alongside McBrayer, Soldiers of 1-487th FA are undertaking various missions driven by a collective commitment to the community.
Capt. Luke Nelson, a TACP with the 124th ASOS, said this training fo- cused on combative maneuvers to improve battlefield effectiveness.
By Air Force Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith National Guard Bureau | AUG. 28, 2023
Spc. Sean Winsko, a cannon crew member, leverages his civilian career in law enforcement to augment his role managing traffic near Lahaina. “Our [military] jobs won’t always play a role in what we are doing during the operation, but that kind of flexibility and variety is what I love about being in the National Guard,” he said. “It’s a privilege.”
“The fight doesn’t stop when the planes go away,” said Nelson. “When the jets are in the area, we’re talking to them. When they’re not, we cannot be deadweight. Anything we can do to improve lethality within any particular function of a unit is a win for everybody.” ASOS members trained with the M240B machine gun and the MK19 grenade machine gun. Once familiar with the weapons, they focused on battlefield maneuverability, maintenance and recovery with vehi- cles, including storm search and rescue tactical vehicles, MRZR light tactical vehicles and motorcycles.
JLAHAINA, Hawaii – In the aftermath of devastating wildfires, the shaka endures as a poignant symbol of peace, goodwill and unyielding hope in Lahaina. With thumbs and pinkies extended, around 660 Guard members use the hand gesture as an emblem of positivity and unity during response operations across the island of Maui. Whether granting access to motorists at checkpoints or directing traffic, “the last gesture you see is a shaka, as [automobiles] pass you by,” said Spc. Levi Lemisio of Hawaii Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment. “It’s nonverbally commu- nicating the ‘Aloha’ spirit — something that is needed more than ever amid the death and destruction the wildfires have caused.” As Lahaina grapples with the challenges of recovering from the wildfires, Guard members are staffing 21 entry control points and ensuring public order and safety. The Guard has also fought fires, dispersing 268,200 gallons of water in 149 bucket drops over 44 flight hours. Another 40 Guard members are engaged in search and recovery missions as part of Joint Task Force 5-0. While natural disasters are not uncommon in the Hawaiian Islands, Spc. Kaimana McBrayer said the fury unleashed by the Aug. 8 fire was particularly heartbreaking. “It’s unreal, especially as a Hawaiian, because we have a special connection to the land and the people — so this hits close to home,” he said.
With members operating around the globe, staying ready and proficient is paramount, says Phillips.
The 1-487th FA had just returned from training at Fort Johnson, Loui- siana, only to be activated a week later to respond to the wildfires.
“We shouldn’t wait to train for anything,” said Phillips. “We don’t train for the next war with the people we think we’ll have. We train for it with the people we currently have.”
“So we were already acclimated to the heat,” said Army Staff Sgt. Shane Nakata.
But for the signal support systems specialist and others in his unit, shifting gears from conventional military training to a domestic response operation is what Guard members do.
“It’s just in our nature,” Nakata said.
Still, Guard members are keenly aware of the physical and mental challenges ahead.
Underscoring resilience despite the immeasurable loss of people and homes, Winsko emphasized the strength of those affected by the disaster and the inspiration drawn by personnel supporting recovery efforts, as unified through a common bond of community rooted in aloha. “No matter what is going on, we all come together and put the peo- ple of Maui first,” he said, adding that on a “good day, we’re good. And on a bad day, we make it good.”
McBrayer said the core of the checkpoint mission is to keep people safe, as affected sites could still be hazardous.
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