U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler McCauley, a Security Forces specialist with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, readies an M249 B squad automatic weapon at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wis., Aug. 26, 2026, during exercise Patriot 26. The Air National Guard-hosted exercise brings together approximately 1,000 Airmen and Soldiers from National Guard units across 35 states, along with federal, state and local agencies, to enhance domestic response readiness and interagency coordination during large-scale emergencies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Angelee Barnett)