Thunder Challenge 2024: Showcasing the Skills of Combat Weather Airmen
FORT RILEY, Kan. — From October 7 to 9, 2024, Fort Riley, Kansas, became the battleground for the annual Thunder Challenge, where teams of Combat Weather Airmen from across the Air Force gathered to compete in a series of rigorous events designed to test their tactical proficiencies. This competition is not just a test of skill; it is a vital opportunity for these Airmen to demonstrate their ability to integrate weather capabilities into battlefield operations, ensuring that environmental analysis and intelligence play a crucial role in modern warfare.
The Importance of Environmental Analysis in Warfare
Master Sgt. Michael Cobb, the Combat Weather Operations Senior Enlisted Leader of the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing, emphasized the significance of environmental analysis in military operations. “Environmental analysis and intelligence are essential components of warfare that enable effective application of air, ground, and naval assets,” he stated. The Thunder Challenge serves as a platform for Combat Weather experts from around the globe to convene, share knowledge, and measure their proficiency against one another. This collaborative environment fosters growth and innovation within the field, pushing the boundaries of what these Airmen can achieve.
Teams from Around the World
This year’s Thunder Challenge featured five teams representing various Combat Weather Squadrons (CWS) from across the globe. Participants included Airmen from the 1st CWS at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; the 3rd CWS at Fort Cavazos, Texas; the 7th CWS based in Wiesbaden, Germany; the 18th CWS at Fort Liberty, North Carolina; and the 607th CWS out of Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Each team brought unique experiences and expertise, enriching the competition and allowing for a diverse exchange of best practices.
Core Competencies in Action
The Thunder Challenge is more than just a competition; it is a comprehensive assessment of each unit’s mastery of core competencies essential for operating weather equipment, performing environmental analysis, and executing tactical battlefield requirements. Col. Erica Haas, the 5th Combat Weather Group Commander at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, highlighted the importance of these skills, stating, “All of these skills that we are competing with are skills we would need to deploy with the Army or any scenario with the Joint Force.” The event not only tests individual capabilities but also strengthens inter-unit communication and collaboration.
A Test of Physical and Tactical Skills
The competition featured a variety of challenging events designed to simulate real-world scenarios that Combat Weather Airmen might face in the field. Participants engaged in a modified Army Combat Fitness Test, augmented reality marksmanship, tactical shooting events, land navigation, simulated casualty care scenarios, weighted ruck marches, and weather equipment implementation. Each event was meticulously crafted to validate the training these Airmen undergo and to ensure they are prepared for deployment alongside Army units.
1st Lt. Gabriel Benson, Officer in Charge of Aviation Weather Operations for the 3rd CWS Detachment 2, remarked, “These events show that our Airmen can do the things we need to do when we go out into the field or deploy with the Army, and they validate the training we do.” This hands-on approach to training reinforces the importance of readiness and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Celebrating Excellence
The culmination of the Thunder Challenge saw the team from the 3rd CWS, consisting of Senior Airman Richard Husband, Master Sgt. Joey Putis, and 1st Lt. Brian Parrott, take home the first-place title. Their victory is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and mastery of the skills required in their field. Additionally, individual awards were presented to recognize exceptional performance. 1st Lt. Zachary Watson from the 18th CWS earned the title of the “Fittest” Staff Weather Officer (SWO), while Senior Airman Cameron Thomas, also from the 18th CWS, was acknowledged for his tactical expertise and extensive career field knowledge.
Conclusion
Thunder Challenge 2024 not only showcased the skills and capabilities of Combat Weather Airmen but also reinforced the critical role that environmental analysis plays in modern military operations. As these Airmen continue to hone their skills and share knowledge across units, they are better equipped to support the Joint Force in an increasingly complex battlefield environment. The competition serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration, training, and readiness in ensuring mission success.
