U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julia Morgan, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron structures craftsman, takes accountability of her readiness items as part of a “bag drag”, during a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 5, 2025. Procedures and systems during readiness exercises enable Airmen to operate together seamlessly in the event of a real-world crisis. (Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez, U.S. Air Force)
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 18th Civil Engineer Squadron took accountability of readiness items in support of a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 5, 2025.
The readiness items are included in a bag colloquially known as a “72-hour bag.” This bag ensures Airmen are prepared for up to three days of contingencies.
“It’s important that we are ready so we can focus on other things. This exercise sets up our Airmen to posture for a real-world threat,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Linen Jr., 18th CES electrical systems section chief.
Readiness is crucial for posturing against real-world threats and enabling a quick response through the mission. The 72-hour bag ensures all Airmen have the necessities they may need at a moment’s notice. Airmen being prepared at a personal level allows them to focus on mission readiness.
Through routine local and regional exercises, Kadena Air Base validates and strengthens the tactics, procedures and systems that enable a seamless event in case of a real-world crisis.
“If you are personally prepared then you are prepared to take on more roles,” said Senior Airman James Marquez, 18th CES electrical systems journeyman. “Having your bag ready to go allows you to focus on your job which contributes to the overall mission.”
Readiness training exercises such as this one ensure that forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific are ready to defend at a moment’s notice.
