Ready to deploy: 12th Air Task Force achieves final certification
The 12th Air Task Force achieved its final certification on August 18, 2025, after successfully completing Bamboo Eagle 25-3. This accomplishment not only validates the unit’s readiness for its upcoming U.S. Central Command deployment but is also sets the standard as one of the first Air Task Forces trained for the Air Force's new deployment model.
Roughly 2,500 Airmen were trained and certified through Bamboo Eagle 25-3. To support the exercise, these Airmen operated from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Mississippi. The unit tackled a complex challenge that simulated the difficulties of operating in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment, where forces are often spread across multiple locations. These tactics, essential to Agile Combat Employment, enabled them to remain operational while facing threats.
A key element of the 12th ATF's success was the Mission Ready Airmen within dedicated Mission Generation Force Elements —the latter being an Air Force construct of weapons systems and their associated support teams.
The 12th ATF specifically demonstrated key capabilities, among many others, in:
Executing an Agile Combat Employment scheme of maneuver in a joint-coalition environment: Rapidly established a forward operating site and generated sorties in a joint and coalition environment.
Executing rapid resupply/cargo operations: Quickly received and sent off cargo aircraft and managed essential resources.
Demonstrating Counter-small, unmanned aircraft systems capabilities: Effectively defended base locations from threats, including small, unmanned aircraft systems, by employing a layered defense approach and utilizing surveillance and counter-UAS technologies.
Executing mission command in a disaggregated environment: Maintained operational effectiveness through mission command capabilities, ensuring a shared understanding across dispersed elements.
“Bamboo Eagle wasn't just a test – it was an arena where our Mission Ready Airmen demonstrated the agility, resilience and lethality needed to dominate the fight” said Col. Scott Davis, 12th Air Task Force commander. “Because of this exercise, the 12th ATF isn't just ready to deploy; we're prepared to shape the battlespace and ensure mission success.”
The completion of Bamboo Eagle 25-3 marks the successful conclusion of their rigorous training and their readiness for deployment. As part of the Air Force's first cycle of Air Task Forces to complete the Air Force Force Generation cycle, the 12th ATF is setting the stage for future Deployable Combat Wings and paving the way to global competition.
