From the trenches

  • Published
  • By Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro
  • 28th Bomb Wing commander
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  First of all, thanks for all the work you (our Airmen) have invested over the last two months to raise our combat capability.

We've talked extensively about how important it is to stay proficient in a wide array of combat skill sets, even beyond what we're already using effectively overseas today.

You've taken great strides this week towards ensuring that capability stays strong. You've demonstrated significant progress since our last exercise, across everything from briefings, to bug-outs, to hitting targets in the range.

And we know this progress comes at a cost-- your time and energy. Your investment has paid off, and is much appreciated.

However, there is still much to learn. As one layer of problems is resolved, more are revealed that will require our continued energy and attention.

We must continue to move forward with determination and innovation to meet the Operational Readiness Inspection in October in the "Outstanding" way we know we can.

Because we know America's adversaries will not wait until it's convenient to challenge our nation - we must ensure our readiness convinces them otherwise.