POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- -- Approximately 60 Airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing participated in Battalion Mass Tac from July 12 to 20, 2018, at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.
BMTW is a tactical joint exercise between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army designed to enhance Airmen’s abilities to practice contingency operations in a controlled stateside environment. The exercise included three C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, three C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to McChord Air Force Base, Washington, and over 2,100 Army paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
“Battalion Mass Tac Week is all about practicing and rehearsing for real scenarios,” said Lt. Col. Blair Allen, 40th Airlift Squadron commander. “We have that ability, so if our nation asks us to execute this mission set that no one else in the world can do, we can do it. This is both a strategic and tactical objective.”
Starting in 1917, the 82nd Airborne’s mission has evolved to strategically deploy, conduct forcible entry parachute assault and secure key objectives in support of U.S. national interests within 18 hours of notification. However, without the help of transport aircraft, the 82nd Airborne wouldn’t be able execute this mission to get where they need to go. The C-130J is a versatile aircraft capable of holding approximately 70 Army paratroopers, delivering Soldiers around the world. The C-130J can also be converted to hold up to 92 combat troops, 74 patient litters, six equipment pallets, or a combination of these to fit the needs of the mission.
While working with the 82nd Airborne Soldiers, Dyess and McChord Airmen quickly and safely completed training tasks, such as personnel drops, cargo airdrops and an aeromedical evacuation, which simulated a real-life emergency situation from start to finish.
“It’s imperative that we work together. In the grand scheme of things, we all play a certain role in executing the mission, whatever that mission may be,” said Senior Airman David Heinz, 40th AS C-130J loadmaster. “With a joint force, we are able to pool together our expertise and more successfully execute the mission.”
BMTW implemented a mixed formation with the C-130J’s and C-17s to target small drop zones in a restricted environment, challenging the expertise of the mission planners and those executing the mission. Despite challenges of weather, timelines and effective communication, participants continued to be flexible and resilient to successfully complete BMTW.
“The team knocked it out of the park,” said Allen. “It’s a blessing to be able to lead this entire team, not just here at Dyess, but also the team from McChord. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”