VOLK FIELD, Wis. -- Volk Field ANGB, WI -- The 254th Combat Communications Group announces the successful completion of Exercise BUMBU FORGE 2024. This groundbreaking exercise, held from June 2 to June 16, Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center and Fort McCoy, Wis., marks a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the unit's combat readiness and operational excellence.
BUMBU FORGE is a premier Air National Guard exercise designed to highlight the ingenuity of U.S. Air Force Airmen in the combat support community. This rigorous exercise underscores the ability of Airmen to devise or craft innovative solutions using their current capabilities to achieve mission success. Citizen Airmen from air traffic control, contingency response, combat communication, and security forces came together to face realistic, challenging scenarios that demand quick thinking and resourcefulness. The exercise demonstrated the Airmen's power of creativity and adaptability as crucial to overcoming obstacles in the field, ensuring missions are accomplished efficiently and effectively.
BUMBU FORGE, which evolved from the initial BUMBU COMM in 2022, represents a pivotal shift in training methodologies for combat communication and support units. This year's iteration saw a substantial increase in participating units, reflecting the growing recognition of BUMBU FORGE as a premier venue for certifying deployment readiness and operational capabilities under the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model.
BUMBU FORGE stands out for its focus on non-simulated, high-pressure environments. Participants were immersed in a full spectrum of Contested, Degraded, and Operationally Limited (CDO-L) conditions, facing kinetic and non-kinetic threats while playing in real-world scenarios. By introducing base defenders, field kitchens, and Army medevac, BUMBU FORGE gave Airmen a true sense of training on the battlefield. This realistic environment is critical for developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for modern combat scenarios.
The exercise incorporated various scenarios, including electromagnetic spectrum and cyber injects, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, and kinetic engagements. This comprehensive approach ensured that participating Airmen could experience and respond to realistic warfighting conditions, enhancing their critical thinking and decision-making skills across the competition continuum.
The significance of BUMBU FORGE lies in its emphasis on preparing for imminent conflicts without relying on future technologies. In a world where the next war could erupt at any moment, the exercise teaches Airmen to maximize their existing resources and skills. By fostering a culture of ingenuity, BUMBU FORGE ensures combat support personnel are ready to handle any situation with confidence and competence. This proactive approach not only enhances mission readiness but solidifies the Airmen's role as innovative problem=solvers who can adapt to the ever-changing demands of modern warfare.
BUMBU FORGE 2024 participating units included Combat Communications, Engineering and Installation, Security Forces, Contingency Response, Air Support Operations, and many more. The exercise also featured contributions from mobility flying units, Army National Guard rotary units, and space operations, highlighting the collaborative effort and integrated training environment.