Airmen enhance strategic thinking with Kingfish Agile Combat Employment game Published Feb. 13, 2025 By Senior Airman Katie McKee 82 TRW Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen in Training from the 362nd Training Squadron embraced a new and innovative way to develop their strategic thinking skills through a board game called Kingfish Agile Combat Employment.The Kingfish ACE game incorporates real-world considerations such as logistics, resource allocation and contingency planning. The Airmen were divided into groups and placed at different duty stations as they made critical decisions on how to position forces, manage supply chains and respond to dynamic challenges while balancing competing priorities.Technical Sgt. Charles Dhennin, 362nd TRS military training leader, emphasized the importance of junior enlisted Airmen understanding the ACE concept. Dhennin went to the Air Force Logistics Officer School at Sheppard Air Force Base to observe sessions. As he learned more about the game, he began to understand its value and adapted it to meet the needs of AiT.“Many of these soon-to-be crew chiefs will soon be practicing the ACE concept at the tactical level through exercises and a significant number will be serving in the Pacific area,” said Dhennin. “Demonstrating the strategic level of these decisions helps them understand the ‘why’ behind the habits and processes, which creates a seamless tie-in to BRACER FORGE."This gave AiT a practical grasp of the operational and logistical demands associated with the Great Power Competition.Airman Roberto Herrera Parra, F-15 crew chief student, took the role of wing commander and discussed what he learned and what challenges he faced.“I learned that communicating with your team and other teams or bases is harder than it seems because things aren’t as simple as ‘hey, we need more food in this location.’ That takes additional resources and logistics, and we have to make sure to communicate those needs the right way,” said Herrera Parra. “My team was able to trade resources with other teams, but keeping track of your resources was harder than I imagined because everything is constantly moving.”The game encourages teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, all essential traits for the modern warfighter. As Airmen work through the challenges presented in the game, they gain valuable insights into the complexities of executing missions in the Indo-Pacific, a region where future conflicts may unfold. 241223-F-PI787-1004 Airmen in Training from the 362nd Training Squadron play Kingfish Agile Combat Employment Dec. 23, 2024, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The Kingfish ACE game incorporates real-world considerations such as logistics, resource allocation and contingency planning. The Airmen were divided into groups and placed at different duty stations as they made critical decisions on how to position forces, manage supply chains and respond to dynamic challenges while balancing competing priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie McKee) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Airmen in Training from the 362nd Training Squadron play Kingfish Agile Combat Employment Dec. 23, 2024, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The Kingfish ACE game incorporates real-world considerations such as logistics, resource allocation and contingency planning. The Airmen were divided into groups and placed at different duty stations as they made critical decisions on how to position forces, manage supply chains and respond to dynamic challenges while balancing competing priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie McKee)