Mobility Guardian exercise comes to JBLM in 2017

  • Published
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Air Mobility Command's first-ever Mobility Guardian readiness exercise, formerly known as Rodeo, is planned for July 30, 2017 to Aug. 12, 2017, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

The exercise will be one of the most realistic real-world, scenario-driven exercises the command has ever undertaken, said Maj. Gen. Jerry Martinez, AMC director of operations.

"The objective is to execute rapid global mobility missions we see today, as well as those we anticipate in the future, to enhance mobility partnerships," said Martinez. "Exercising with allies we depend on every day will enhance the ability of our Mobility Air Forces Airmen to overcome challenges and achieve national objectives."

The AMC commander agreed.

"Interoperability with our joint and allied partners is crucial to be able to move people, planes and cargo into contested environments around the world," said Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II. "Mobility Guardian will be our premier exercise for U.S. and allied units to train together and improve joint capabilities. We'll train like we fight."

The excitement has been evident in the reactions of partners from the combat air forces and special operations forces, as well as international partners who are already lending time to help plan what will be AMC's preeminent readiness exercise, Martinez said.

"Mobility Guardian 2017 will provide a tremendous opportunity to put all our mobility capabilities to the test," said Martinez. "We're really working hard to expand international participation. This forum will allow participants to share tactics, techniques and procedures essential to maintaining readiness and sustainment in coalition campaigns around the world."

The 62nd Airlift Wing Commander, host wing to this AMC exercise, had this to say about this event coming to JBLM in 2017.

"There is no better location than Joint Base Lewis-McChord for this joint and allied partner ground-breaking Mobility Guardian exercise," said Col. Leonard Kosinski. "We are a strategic power projection platform and can leverage the incredible military capabilities in the Pacific Northwest ranging from Special Operations units, nearby Naval assets, Washington National Guard, and premier partnership efforts like the Army's I Corps Pacific Pathways."