MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – In a dynamic partnership to strengthen mission readiness and base defense capabilities, the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Security Forces Squadron, or SFS, based out of Jacksonville, Florida, trained with the 820th Base Defense Group, or BDG, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 25-Feb. 6.
Fourteen Florida Air National Guard security forces defenders traveled to Moody Air Force Base to fulfill annual readiness requirements while training alongside 16 defenders from the 824th Base Defense Squadron, or BDS, in a reciprocal exchange aimed at enhancing integrated base defense capabilities for both units.
Maj. Robert McLean, commander, 125th SFS, Florida Air National Guard, said the training built lethal, ready defenders through realistic base defense operations within a Total Force environment. He said integration with the 824th BDS sharpened tactical employment, allowing the Air National Guard Airmen to contribute decades of operational experience.
“The Florida Air National Guard brings a highly skilled and seasoned force to the fight,” McLean said. “Training side-by-side with active-duty personnel creates a deliberate skill exchange where Guard defenders refine expeditionary tactics while sharing lessons learned that enhance the effectiveness of the entire formation.”
The annual training incorporated small-unit tactics, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, patrolling and mission planning, which builds combat capability from the ground up. Defenders progressed through a crawl-walk-run methodology – establishing foundational knowledge, applying skills in realistic scenarios and validating proficiency during full-mission exercises.
“Uniting our teams ahead of the evolving mission demands builds stronger alignment, clearer communication and a shared operational language across the force,” said Capt. Brandon Litton, 824th Base Defense Squadron operations officer. “These events strengthen collaboration by giving Airmen of different experience levels the chance to exchange knowledge and develop the team. Defenders at each base train differently, so sharing tactics, techniques and procedures fosters continuous learning and growth.”
The training also emphasized force development and personnel readiness, challenging Airmen to modernize tactics and maintain high standards. Instructors made each scenario realistic, allowing squad leaders to practice decisive problem-solving while both units maximized new opportunities every day to strengthen cohesion and sustain readiness.
In spring 2025, the 125th Fighter Wing transitioned from F-15 Eagles to F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation aircraft. With this transition, the Florida Air National Guard became one of eight F-35A assigned Wings across the Air Force. It also required more robust security and base defense measures.
“Protecting fifth-generation airpower requires a force that is disciplined, adaptable and aligned with current warfighting priorities. This training ensures our defenders remain highly trained while contributing to the broader Air Force enterprise,” McLean said.
Beyond preparing for advanced aircraft, the training highlighted a broader imperative: effective collaboration across the Total Force. Interoperability, shared tactics and common expectations are good practice and essential to national security.
Litton and McLean, both seasoned Security Forces officers, agree that daily teamwork sharpens tactical skills and develops a shared approach. They noted this combined capability is vital for seamless mission execution and national defense.
“Training with active-duty forces builds readiness by aligning tactics, terminology and expectations across the force,” McLean added. “When Guard and active-duty defenders train together, they develop a shared operating picture that eliminates friction in real-world operations.”
Future collaborative exercises will preserve operational readiness, strengthen parallel capabilities and ensure the Air Force can project power and respond effectively in future missions.
“This training directly supports warfighting priorities by developing disciplined, lethal defenders ready to operate in complex-threat environments,” McLean said. “Integrated operations reflect the reality that modern conflicts require Guard and active-duty forces to function as one team. By leveraging the Guard’s depth of experience and pairing it with active-duty operational tempo, the training reinforces standards, accelerates readiness and produces a more adaptable, interoperable force capable of defending critical airpower against near-peer adversaries.”