Airmen assigned to U.S. Air Forces in Europe must continue to focus on their critical combat skills in the new year, the command's top general said.

"I can't predict what the future will bring, but I know that airpower will be a critical part of solving whatever problem comes our way," said Gen. Tod Wolters, commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe-U.S. Air Forces Africa, in an email to Air Force Times.

With that in mind, and as the U.S. works to reassure its allies in Europe in the face of Russian aggression, USAFE airmen "can expect to maintain and deepen a daily focus on honing their razor-sharp edge," Wolters said.

"We're going to train like there's no tomorrow to ensure that we are always ready to answer the call," he said. "We must continue to be ready for the ops tempo to increase at any given time in response to the needs of our complex and dynamic security environment."

Wolters also said it's critical to have a network of allied airfields in the region, as well as the relationships necessary to ensure U.S. airmen will be allowed to use them in moments of need.

"Oftentimes, this means we need to invest some of our limited dollars into the infrastructure and supporting systems at various locations," Wolters said.


Much of this investment has come from — and is expected to continue through — the European Reassurance Initiative, which aims to reinforce the U.S.' commitment to its NATO allies.

"Regardless of where it takes places or how it's funded, we work in extremely close cooperation with host nation governments to get the most juice for the squeeze," he said.

Wolters said it's important for airmen in Europe to get the most they can out of training opportunities.

"Face-to-face training events with our allies and partners are win-win occurrences that everyone comes away from a little bit stronger, a little bit faster and a little bit more aware of the operational situation they might one day be called into," he said.

Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.  

About Charlsy Panzino

Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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