MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Team Maxwell was put through the paces last week as the 42d Air Base Wing Inspector General Office kicked off the three-pronged MAXFORCE 24-02 exercise which started on 14 April, 2026.
The first iteration of the exercise was a tabletop mass-deployment event, designed to evaluate the installation’s ability to execute a rapid deployment surge within a 72-hour window.
During the discussion-based exercise, leaders of key functional areas walked through a worst-case scenario, synchronizing timelines, responsibilities, and requirements for processing and deploying personnel without physically moving forces. The event focused on coordination, communication, and sustainment challenges, providing an opportunity to validate procedures, identify gaps, and refine plans ahead of real-world execution.
The next day, things kicked into the kinetic phase of the exercise with an active shooter response exercise. The IG team, aided by members of the Wing Inspection Team, simulated a shooter attack in a facility on the installation. The WIT team is composed of about 175 trained subject-matter experts from every unit on Maxwell and Gunter. During exercises, these WIT members are embedded in their respective functional areas to observe and document responses.
“Their detailed observations are crucial for identifying areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement, which directly feed into a continuous cycle of refining and enhancing our installation's overall preparedness,” said Nick McWilliams, 42d Inspector General installation exercise program director.
The WIT team evaluated how well the units recognized and reported the threat, as well as the protective actions that were taken. They assessed the command-and-control functions, communications, in addition to the actions of first-responder units. The final review of the incident encapsulated reporting and recovery actions, ensuing procedures were followed and lessons were captured.
“The goal moving forward is to take our lessons learned and to build on that, run more exercises, not just with our squadron, but with other squadrons,” said 2nd Lt. Bradley Miller, 42d Security Forces Squadron operation officer. “We are going to take these lessons learned and further our development and training.”
The third day of the exercise involved the 908th Flying Training Wing at Maxwell and simulated the crash of an MH-139A Gray Wolf Helicopter. In this simulation, the aircraft crashed while doing a fly-by of a change of command ceremony, causing risk to people on the ground as well as the air crew.
In addition to simulated injuries and deaths, the IG team used an aircraft rescue and firefighting simulator to allow firefighters to advance with charged hose lines and attack a real fire inside of a physical structure, without using an actual airframe.
“The biggest thing is, are we ready to respond at any given time? We serve the base populace; That's why we're here, to protect those who serve the country. This gives us a chance to ensure that we are doing what we need to do getting the best training, having the best equipment, and making sure that we are mission ready, at all times.” said Marcus Ector, 42d Civil Engineer Squadron station chief.
Over the next few weeks, findings from the IG and WIT will be compiled into a report to summarize areas where the wing excelled, as well as areas where improvements can be made.
“The MAXFORCE 26-02 Exercise received an overall 'effective' rating that successfully tested our limits in aircraft mishap, mass casualty, and active shooter scenarios. The IG Office continually stresses the importance of units and partners actively participating in exercises and by embracing 'the red' and encouraging critical observations,” said McWilliams.