102nd Intelligence Wing Concludes Major Combat Readiness Exercise, Formosa Guardian
The 102nd Intelligence Wing successfully completed Exercise Formosa Guardian on November 1, marking the end of a rigorous, three-phase assessment designed to enhance combat readiness.
The exercise, conducted at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, saw the 102nd Intelligence Wing Inspector General team rigorously evaluate Airmen’s ability to execute mission-essential tasks (METs) within a challenging operational landscape – one characterized by contested environments, degraded capabilities, and operational limitations. This comprehensive evaluation underscores a proactive shift in preparedness for potential future conflicts.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
“We don’t know exactly what the next war will look and feel like,” stated a senior leader within the 102nd Intelligence Wing. “Our senior leaders have indicated we likely will not have the same freedom of movement we have created and maintained for ourselves in recent conflicts. To that end, we must exercise and prepare now to deter, compete and, if necessary, win in contested environments both abroad and at home.”
Formosa Guardian simulated a wide array of threats and challenging conditions, mirroring potential worst-case scenarios. Airmen responded to a complex series of “injects,” including simulated insider threats, active shooter scenarios, cyberattacks, facility evacuations, network and power outages, degraded and severed communications, physical intrusions, evolving force protection condition changes, and reports of suspicious activity.
A Unified Wing & Interagency Collaboration
For the first time in over 17 years, the 102nd Intelligence Wing operated on a continuous 24-hour schedule as a fully integrated unit. This presented significant logistical and command challenges, demanding enhanced coordination and resource management. The exercise was further strengthened through strategic partnerships with multiple agencies.
These collaborations included:
- The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center, which provided unmanned aircraft systems for operational use.
- The Massachusetts State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, responding to a simulated bomb threat.
- The 104th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron, acting as a simulated opposing force to test defensive capabilities.
- The 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, providing a C-17 Globemaster III for the transportation of Airmen to a simulated deployment location.
These interagency partnerships significantly broadened the exercise’s scope, realism, and overall impact on mission readiness across all participating units.
Empowering Proactive Decision-Making
Throughout Exercise Formosa Guardian, Airmen were actively encouraged to exercise independent judgment, making decisions based on the information immediately available to them and proactively addressing emerging challenges. The exercise prioritized “progress over perfection,” emphasizing decisive action from both enlisted personnel and officers, rather than waiting for explicit direction. This approach is designed to cultivate a more agile, resilient, and ultimately, stronger force.
“The 102nd Intelligence Wing is comprised of extremely smart, motivated and highly capable Airmen who are ready to innovate, take charge and lead through any challenging scenario they face,” a wing official commented. “We try to challenge our Airmen more with each exercise so they gain the valuable reps and sets needed to win when it matters most.”
Learning Through Challenge and Failure
The Inspector General team acknowledged the inherent discomfort of operating outside of standard procedures, emphasizing a commitment to fostering growth through constructive failure. “We are firmly committed to helping our wing and its Airmen grow through failure,” stated a senior official. “It has been motivating to watch our Airmen work hard, identify what works and what doesn’t, debrief results, train to improve and exercise again. Let’s continue to improve together. Our nation depends on it.”
The successful completion of Exercise Formosa Guardian demonstrates the 102nd Intelligence Wing’s dedication to continuous improvement and its readiness to confront the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
