PUNTA SALINAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION, Puerto Rico – Airmen from the 156th Combat Communications Squadron of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and the 282nd Combat Communications Squadron of the Rhode Island Air National Guard conducted a joint training exercise testing their deployment capabilities, June 1-12.
Exercise FUNKY BUSINESS is a two-week annual field training event designed to challenge the Airmen’s ability to project rapid, decentralized command and control into a deployed environment while maintaining strict logistical discipline.
“Our combat communications Airmen deliver secure, reliable and expeditionary communications that enable joint and coalition forces to make decisions faster, maintain operational advantage and accomplish the mission anytime, anywhere,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Evaristo Orengo, commander, 156th Wing.
Operating under the Mission Ready Airmen construct, the 156th Combat Communications Squadron, or CBCS, was divided into three highly autonomous teams that deployed to remote locations and rapidly established communications.
Across all field evaluations, the teams maintained a consistent, rapid setup time, demonstrating their capacity to deliver critical voice and data connectivity to combatant commanders at a moment's notice.
“Our Airmen are reinforcing their technical skills while fostering essential teamwork and self-confidence,” said Maj. Alberto Rivera, commander, 156th CBCS. “As we transition from large main bases to presenting ready, deployable units of action, empowering these cohesive, adaptable teams will be critical for success on the future battlefield.”
Using a crawl-walk-run approach, participants began their training with academic foundations led by Maj. Rafael Vazquez, officer in charge, and Chief Master Sgt. Medwin Hernandez, senior enlisted leader, both with the 156th CBCS.
After initial preparations, which included constructing a central hub and completing 5-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle certifications, the teams engaged in rapid field rotations and equipment utilization.
"The successful integration of new Air Combat Command equipment packages directly enhances our overall mission readiness,” Hernandez said. “Incorporating this equipment into our exercises ensures that our Airmen and technology are perfectly synchronized when the mission calls."
During the initial field phase, Team 1 set the pace by establishing a setup time at the 130th Engineer Battalion in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Team 2 followed on with the deployment of their assets. In the second week of operations, Team 3 set an exercise record by establishing command and control in a timeframe far quicker than the standard estimated time.
The exercise culminated in a simultaneous hub-and-spoke operation that integrated follow-on forces from the 282nd CBCS.
"From the planning stage, we wanted to create an exercise that challenged our Airmen to solve problems under realistic conditions and reinforce the importance of accountability, adaptability and disciplined execution," said Tech. Sgt. Josue Serrano, exercise planner, 156th CBCS.
During two days, personnel from the 156th CBCS and the 282nd CBCS operated seamlessly across multiple workcenters, validating their ability to integrate and train alongside allied units without any degradation in operational tempo.
A key factor in the exercise's logistical processes was the implementation of a daily tactical reset. This mandate required thorough equipment cleaning, power management and a 100% equipment inventory, which ensured zero loss of high-value assets throughout the exercise.
"The daily tactical resets and integration with the 282nd CBCS ensured every team left more capable and better prepared,” Serrano said.
The execution of exercise FUNKY BUSINESS showcased Air National Guard Mission Ready Airmen operationalizing combat communications core capabilities, directly aligned with U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard priorities.