BEAR Base joins AFIT in first-time exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Turner
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Materiel Maintenance Group, more commonly known as BEAR Base, and the Civil Engineer School of the Air Force Institute of Technology conducted a four-day joint exercise for the first time March 7.

"BEAR" stands for Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources, which means they provide deployable assets anywhere in the world. The 49th MMG accomplishes this mission by sending large, all-inclusive packaged equipment to deployed locations or to areas impacted by natural disasters.

During the exercise, students used BEAR Base as a resource to support their capstone course assignment, which was to plan and execute a base bed-down in a contingent environment. The student teams were composed of airmen 1st class and senior airmen who had little to no experience with BEAR. Teams of subject matter experts stood by to answer questions and review design proposals from the student teams.

"This was the first step in what I hope will be a long-term, synergistic relationship between BEAR Center of Excellence and the AFIT," said 1st Lt. Kaleb Madsen, 49th Materiel Maintenance Squadron structures flight commander. "With experienced mentors standing by, the Airmen were able to hone their skills and knowledge as they interacted with the AFIT student teams."

Madsen led the 49th MMG side of the exercise and was involved in coordinating with the AFIT instructor staff. Together they developed the game plan and rules of engagement, organized the support teams, and monitored the exercise as it was conducted.

As a result of the exercise AFIT students were able to consult with BEAR subject matter experts throughout the exercise which improved the quality of their products and gave them experience.

"The event went very well," Madsen said. "The exercise was entirely unprecedented, so there was a bit of a learning curve, but I think we can chalk it up as a successful first round."