Thu Sep 19 07:27:35 UTC 2024: ## Air Mobility Command Emphasizes Importance of Exercises for Great Power Competition
**NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS)** – Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), highlighted the crucial role of exercises in preparing for great power competition during a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference. Lamontagne, who assumed command on Sept. 9, emphasized the need for AMC to rapidly project forces across vast distances and seamlessly transition to employing those forces upon arrival.
“For us, exercises are really about the opportunity to rehearse,” said Lamontagne. He stressed the importance of integrating AMC with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) concept of operations, specifically by closely coordinating with the 618th and 613th Air Operations Centers.
Lamontagne outlined AMC’s goals for future readiness, including increased connectivity among the mobility fleet and addressing logistical limitations identified during Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023. “It is not enough for us to do it as a service,” Lamontagne said. “The more we exercise at a joint level allows us to project, sustain and employ the entirety of the joint force.”
Mobility Guardian 2025 will be a key platform for these rehearsals, with Lamontagne stating, “We are getting a good idea of what that looks like early… getting those reps and sets in to help our forces.”
The success of Mobility Guardian 2023, where AMC worked alongside six allied nations, showcased the importance of interoperability and integration. “We had six allies flying interdependently with us, complete interoperability,” said Lamontagne. “We’re doing maintenance on their airplanes, they’re doing maintenance on ours. We are tackling this at an operational level, and we will do it again at Mobility Guardian 2025.”
Lamontagne also highlighted AMC’s experimentation with adjusting tactics, techniques, and procedures, including max endurance operations with two crews per aircraft to enhance projection capabilities. The ability to operate from smaller, more remote locations in the Pacific was also emphasized, acknowledging the challenges of communication limitations and the importance of mission command and mission type orders.
Lt. Gen. John Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve, underscored the vital role of integration across the total force, citing a recent example of AMC and AFRC partnering to surge support to the Middle East. “There was perfect coordination with the ballet between Air Mobility Command and the Reserve Command,” Healy stated.
As the Air Force transitions to operate within the context of great power competition, mobility air forces will continue to play a critical role. AMC is committed to evolving and improving through exercises, ensuring that its Airmen are ready to deliver for the joint force.
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