EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 33rd Maintenance Squadron conducted a training exercise at Eglin Air Force Base Aug. 4, 2025, to enhance deployment readiness, reinforce Air Force standards and cultivate a stronger sense of unit cohesion.
The day began with a comprehensive Standards and Readiness Review, ensuring adherence to Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2903. Following the SRR, Airmen participated in a 2.5-mile ruck where a select group from each flight checked out and received Mission Operational Protective Posture gear.
“It’s important to be looking out for one another,” said Airman 1st Class Brian Thorpe, 33rd MXS Egress Journeyman. “You have to make sure that you and your wingmen are adhering to the standards and paying attention to detail because if something is ever overlooked, it can lead to consequences downrange.”
The core of the training focused on simulating a Personnel Deployment Function line, providing Airmen with invaluable experience of the processes involved in preparing for deployment. Flight Commanders led their respective flights through the day's activities, ensuring accountability and adherence to a detailed plan of action.
“Individuals need to be ready when their name is called,” said Thorpe. “About 70 percent of us haven’t deployed, so for a lot of us, this was our first hands-on experience. It was cool to see everyone come together to support one another.”
The afternoon focused on the "Tri-Wizard Cup," a series of competitive events designed to test both physical and mental fortitude. These events consisted of:
- Sprint Drag Carry: Demonstrated safe buddy drag and fireman's carry techniques under the guidance of senior personnel before undertaking a timed relay.
- MOPP Briefing/ Try-On: The Emergency Management team provided a concise briefing on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear hazards and MOPP levels, followed by a hands-on session where Airmen tried on their gear.
- Bag Drag: Flight Commanders directed formations to empty their bags and conduct gear inspections. Each missing item resulted in physical exercises and points deducted from the flight's Tri-Wizard Cup score. Required items were outlined in the Training Day POA.
- MOPP Relay: A timed relay race where nominated team members donned MOPP gear and sprinted, marking the final event of the Tri-Wizard Cup.
"This exercise wasn't just about checking boxes," said Lt. Col. Kelsey Smith, 33rd MXS Commander. "It was about forging stronger bonds within the squadron and equipping our Airmen with the knowledge and skills they'll need to succeed in any operational environment.”
The day concluded with an earned pizza party, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for camaraderie, reflection and team building.