DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE -- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base activated its newly actioned Air Task Force unit, July 11, 2024.
In May, the Department of the Air Force identified Davis-Monthan as one of six locations to host the experimental Air Task Forces. This addition will test new methods to generate more efficient, integrated deployable Units of Action.
Amidst Great Power Competition, the Air Force has optimized its assets and capabilities.
“The Air Task Force is the bridge towards deployable combat wings,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Brett Cassidy, 11th Air Task Force (Air Force Special Operations Command) commander. “Where we fit into GPC is force presentation and force readiness.”
From previous wars to modern warfare, the geopolitical environment that created a cause for the ATF’s existence was the shift from counterterrorism efforts to being agile, nimble and responsive to emerging threats.
“At the institutional level, we are realigning Air Force capabilities to match the new deployment construct,” said Cassidy. “We now take a year of preparatory training, all together, stateside in a war-simulated environment. Because of this, we will be that much more effective in combat before we head out the door.”
In addition to more effective and lethal training, the ATF’s activation, with the 355th Wing as its host wing, supports service member families and the Tucson community.
“In the long run, the ATF will be beneficial to all communities because it will build stability for the Airmen and their families, which increases morale,” said Cassidy. “There is phenomenal teaming with the base and local civic leaders in the community. We are creating something that’s beneficial to the entire team, the Airmen and local community."
“This is how we take care of our Airmen,” added Chief Master Sgt. Sharreen Taylor, 11th ATF (AFSOC) command chief. “There is a lot of change in a short period of time, but it’s all to take care of our Airmen.”
Taking care of both ATF and DM’s Airmen, who will be working side-by-side, plays a much larger role in future warfare.
“We equip our Airmen with the proper training, education, tools and resources,” said Taylor. “Our Airmen are charged [with] fighting in the next conflict, so we need to make sure they are ready and prepared.”