Col Brian Miller 185th Air Refueling Wing commander

185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) commander Col Brian Miller talks with 185th unit members gathered at Western Iowa Technical College (WIT) in Sioux City, Iowa. All members of the 185th ARW met at WIT for what has been dubbed the “Mega Drill”. Members of the 185th met off base during the January training period to take care of some mandatory annual training, discuss expectations for the upcoming year and attend leadership training during the day-long event. Air Force Photo by MSgt Vincent De Groot/released

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Mr. Larry Harrington (right) of the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, talks with members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) while at Western Iowa Technical College (WIT) in Sioux City, Iowa. All members of the 185th ARW met at WIT for what has been dubbed the “Mega Drill”. Members of the 185th met off base during the January training period to take care of some mandatory annual training and learn about their responsibilities and rights concerning good employer relations. Air Force Photo by MSgt Vincent De Groot/released

185th Look Toward the Future at Annual "Mega-Drill"

Published Jan. 8, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy
185th Public Affairs

Sioux City, IOWA -- The men and women of the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) met this weekend at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WIT) for the annual "Mega Drill". For the past few years' members of the 185th have been meeting off base to take care of some mandatory annual training and discuss expectations for the upcoming year.

One of the main topics discussed at this year's mega drill was the upcoming Department of Defense budget. Col. Brian Miller, commander of the 185th, said that while everyone will be affected by the new budget, 185th members should feel confident about their mission. "The 185th is known all over the country as an elite unit. We are the best because we take pride in what we do. That hard work has not gone unnoticed."

He added, "The Air National Guard remains a great value for America."

Col. Miller also discussed the status of deployments. In 2011, over 300 members deployed to numerous locations around the globe in support of global missions for a total of over 20,000 days. Col. Miller expects a similar deployment tempo in 2012. "Our deployments will likely be similar to the last two years. As always, we need to remain prepared to serve our local, state, and national missions, whenever we are called upon."

Members also received training and education in numerous additional areas like, force protection and information protection among others. They also heard briefings covering changes in their benefits and new services that are available to all service members.