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Weapons Load Competition: Skill and Precision of the 162nd Wing Aircraft Armament Systems Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran
  • 162nd Wing
MORRIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ariz., --  

Airmen with the 162nd Wing's 21st, 152nd and 195th Aircraft Maintenance units within the 162nd Maintenance Group competed in the annual Weapons Load Competition here, Apr. 4, 2025. 

The event showcased the technical skill, precision and teamwork of the members assigned to the AMUs as they competed for the title of Load Crew of the Year. Crews loaded the BDU-50, a 500-pound training munition that simulates live ordnance, demonstrating the thorough skillset required of mission-ready Airmen.  

Crews were evaluated on their ability to safely and accurately load the munitions onto F-16s under strict time constraints. Each step was scrutinized for compliance with safety protocols and technical accuracy. 

“Every aspect of weapons loading-from tool accountability to safety wire placement-is checked against a strict standard,” said Master Sgt. Andres Garcia, 162nd Weapons Standardization Superintendent. “There’s no room for error.” 

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Andres Garcia, 162nd Wing Weapons Standardization Superintendent oversees the 2025 Weapons Load Competition at Morris Air National Guard Base, Ariz., Apr.4, 2025. Load Crews were evaluated on their ability to safely and accurately load munitions onto F-16s under strict time constraints, compliance with safety protocols, and technical accuracy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Luke)

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Andres Garcia, 162nd Wing Weapons Standardization Superintendent oversees the 2025 Weapons Load Competition at Morris Air National Guard Base, Ariz., Apr.4, 2025. Load Crews were evaluated on their ability to safely and accurately load munitions onto F-16s under strict time constraints, compliance with safety protocols, and technical accuracy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Luke)
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In addition to weapons loading, Load Crew Chiefs were challenged with a written test covering munition specifications, procedures and emergency protocols. 

Weapons Load Competitions are a longstanding tradition among Aircraft Armament Systems specialists-commonly referred to as weapons troops-and have been held at the 162nd Wing since 2017. 

The event emphasized both mission readiness and espirit de corps across the wing.  

“Initially, we had just one unit participating at a time,” said Garcia. “As the event gained popularity, it evolved into the large-scale event we see today with the three AMUs competing side by side.” 

U.S. Air National Guard members assigned to the 162nd Wing load a BDU-50, a 500 pound training munition onto an F-16 during the 2025 Weapons Load Competition at Morris Air National Guard Base, Ariz., Apr. 4, 2025. The annual competition sharpens warfighting readiness by testing every aspect of weapons loading-from tool accountability to precise safety wire placement. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Hampton Stramler)

U.S. Air National Guard members assigned to the 162nd Wing load a BDU-50, a 500 pound training munition onto an F-16 during the 2025 Weapons Load Competition at Morris Air National Guard Base, Ariz., Apr. 4, 2025. The annual competition sharpens warfighting readiness by testing every aspect of weapons loading-from tool accountability to precise safety wire placement. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Hampton Stramler)
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Weapons troops play a critical role in the 162nd Wing’s ability to project airpower. Their expertise in loading and maintaining weapons systems ensures the wing’s aircraft remain fully mission capable.  

The 162nd Maintenance Group has been invited to participate in the inaugural F-16 Air National Guard Load Competition, set to take place later this year. One weapons specialist from each AMU will be selected to represent the Wing. 

The 21st Fighter Squadron AMU was named the winner for the 2025 Weapons Load Competition, marking back-to-back victories after securing the title in 2024, living up to their motto: 'Play to Win.'  

.S. Air National Guard members gather for a photo during the Wing Awards ceremony at Morris Air National Guard Base, Ariz., Apr. 6, 2025. The 21st Fighter Squadron weapons load crew were named 'Load Crew of the Year' for the second year in a row. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Luke)

U.S. Air National Guard members gather for a photo during the Wing Awards ceremony at Morris Air National Guard Base, Ariz., Apr. 6, 2025. The 21st Fighter Squadron weapons load crew were named 'Load Crew of the Year' for the second year in a row. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Luke)
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