MINERAL WELLS, Texas - The 221st Combat Communications Squadron kicked off the nine-day 2025 FrostByte ACE Exercise at Fort Wolters Training Site Jan. 30, training to set up forward positions in austere locations.
“The goal behind this exercise is to build resiliency while also training multi-capable Airmen,” said Texas Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Colton Brantley, 221st CBCS, chief of operations. “When we deploy, we normally deploy with the Army. This exercise exercises our ability to fly into austere locations, establish communications quickly, and defend our foothold.”
Throughout the exercise, Airmen of the 221st CBCS practiced skills to better adhere to the multi-capable Airman concept.
“We have to be able to operate all of our own equipment and security. Not only can we run radios, servers and satellite communications, we can also drive our own forklifts,” said Brantley. “The goal is to be 100% self-sufficient. From setting up a base of operations to running our own security.”
The exercise enabled many 221st CBCS Airmen to see plans put into motion, giving them a better understanding of what to expect if they ever deploy to an austere location where resources are limited.
“From the ground up, it’s about building our Airmen’s experience. They’re seeing everything from the pack-up of the convoy, whether it be by road or by air, the defense and eventual movement of themselves and the equipment,” said Texas Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Johnathan Leal, 221st CBCS plans and projects superintendent. “This exercise gets our Airmen comfortable with new equipment, and we get to teach them how to use it in the field. This helps our Airmen gain resiliency and a warfighter mentality.”
To better simulate an austere environment, members of the 221st CBCS flew in with CH-47F Chinook helicopters of the Texas Army National Guard 149th Aviation Battalion out of Hensley Field in Grand Prairie, Texas. The link between sister services was strengthened by flying out the combat communication Airmen.
“Working with the Army gives our Airmen one more tool in their toolbox, which is understanding your sister services, how they talk and operate,” Brantley said.
During the exercise, Airmen of the 221st CBCS received crucial training in the movement of equipment, perimeter security, and sister service communication to mold multi-capable Airmen into efficient warfighters to tackle any future conflict.
“As combat communications Airmen, we are one of the first lines of defense in any conflict,“ Brantley said. “FrostByte ACE allows our Airmen to train for the real world. We want them to get comfortable with being in an uncomfortable situation.”