AFGSC and JIATF-401 lead multi-command C-sUAS qualification at Camp Guernsey

Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing joined forces with Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Strategic Command and the Air National Guard for a counter-small unmanned aircraft systems firing qualification held May 14-15 in partnership with Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the Air Force said.

The two-day event was designed to sharpen operators’ ability to engage both ground and aerial targets at a range of distances using advanced small-arms target acquisition technology, reflecting how fast counter-drone tactics and training are evolving alongside the threat.

The Pentagon established JIATF-401 in August 2025 to synchronize the rapid delivery of counter-drone capabilities at scale for homeland defense, protection of U.S. and allied forces, safeguarding critical infrastructure and supporting federal agencies. The task force measures success by how quickly it gets state-of-the-art systems to warfighters at home and overseas, according to the Air Force.

“Protecting our power projection platforms is a critical component of enhancing warfighter lethality,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “I am grateful for the partnership with the 90th Missile Wing, Air Combat Command, and Air Force Global Strike Command that is enhancing C-sUAS training to keep our warfighters, installations and critical assets safe from drone threats.”

For the 90th Missile Wing, the qualification doubled as hands-on exposure to emerging capabilities tied to Air Force Global Strike Command’s broader modernization push. The command is replacing up-armored Humvees with Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and phasing out UH-1N Hueys in favor of MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters—changes aimed at strengthening missile field security and the nuclear deterrence mission. Counter-drone training adds another layer to that effort by preparing defenders to counter unmanned threats to critical assets, personnel and the intercontinental ballistic missile enterprise.

“The system is a game changer,” said Col. Jeremy Sheppard, 90th Security Forces Group commander. “When you hear one of our young defenders say they feel more confident and prepared, that’s the metric that matters most to me as a commander. That confidence born from having the best tools and training, translates directly into a more lethal and decisive force on the ground. This isn’t just about fielding new technology; it’s a direct investment from our major command in our most critical weapon system: the individual defender. We are sharpening the spear at every level, and this is what it looks like.”

Participants said the training boosted readiness by familiarizing Airmen with systems tailored to defeat hostile drones in operational settings. “This training makes me more effective by giving me hands-on experience with systems designed to counter hostile drones,” said Senior Airman Preston Reiger, 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron sUAS/C-sUAS specialist. “It shows the wing is taking C-sUAS seriously and actively building another layer of defense to protect our mission, assets and personnel.”

Air Force officials said continued collaboration with organizations such as JIATF-401 is intended to reinforce defense of the nation’s ICBM mission while preparing for future security challenges.