MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
The 167th Airlift Wing performed a four-day, extended Unit Training Assembly, at Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, West Virginia, June 8 - 11, 2023.
The extended UTA, also referred to “super drill,” combined June and July UTA’s to focus on unit readiness.
Tactical Combat Casualty Care; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Environmental training; Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training; Hazardous Materials training; and Operations Security training were some of the trainings offered in addition to extended time to complete individual medical requirements, physical fitness assessments and other readiness requirements.
Senior Master Sgt. Jacki Weddle, the first sergeant for the 167th Operations Group and wing staff, coordinated with the wing’s Unit Training Managers to create a master schedule for the event. Weddle explained that trainings were scheduled to be accessible for Airmen to maximize the amount of training that could be accomplished while also allowing time for Airmen to focus on other requirements.
In addition to annually recurring training requirements, career field specific training took place. Airmen from the 167th Medical Group participated in public health and nursing services training. The logistics readiness squadron held cargo processing and forklift training. The security forces squadron held classes on less than lethal training and security operations and integrated defense training. The services function of the force support squadron conducted a search and recovery exercise, and the operations group held water survival and small arms training.
The extended drill period culminated with Col. Martin Timko, 167th Airlift Wing commander, presenting the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award to the wing during a commander’s call. The MUA is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in direct support of combat operations.
Additionally, many Airmen participated in recreational activities, such as the Competitor’s Challenge, a team-based, recreational physical training challenge composed of a humvee push, litter carry, grenade toss, tire flip, four-man carry, plank walk and ruck sack carry. Squadrons also hosted picnics, and organized volleyball teams for a base-wide volleyball tournament.
June’s extended drill enhanced long-term readiness for the wing but also prepared Airmen for the next unit training assembly, a five-day readiness exercise, in August.
“I think the wing did an amazing job getting our members as ‘green’ as possible,” Timko said, referring to meeting training goals and readiness benchmarks. “With what I saw over these last four days, the wing did a great job.”