FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- 
Airmen assigned to the 184th Comptroller Flight provide support during Exercise Sabertooth at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 1-7, 2025. Exercise Sabertooth focused on simulating challenges Airmen would face in deployed environments and improving skills related to disbursing, budgeting, and operating in a high-stress environment. The exercise also included Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear attack simulations, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care drills. (US Air National Guard photo by 184th Comptroller Flight)
The 184th Comptroller Flight (CPTF), Kansas Air National Guard, showcased their exceptional readiness and expertise during Exercise Sabertooth at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 1–7, 2025. The intensive contingency training reaffirmed that Financial Management Airmen are prepared to “finance the fight, anytime, anywhere.”
For Capt. John Baxter, commander, 184th CPTF, Exercise Sabertooth was far more than routine training—it was the culmination of months of preparation and an opportunity for his Airmen to prove why Financial Management is the backbone of Air Force operations.
“Every scenario, stressor, and evaluation was designed to build confidence and validate the incredible skills our Airmen already possess,” Baxter explained. “We aimed to replicate their worst day, so if they face it during deployment, it’ll feel like just another Tuesday.”
U.S. Air Force Capt. John Baxter, 184th Comptroller Flight, Kansas Air National Guard, provide support during Exercise Sabertooth at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 1-7, 2025. Exercise Sabertooth focused on simulating challenges Airmen would face in deployed environments and improving skills related to disbursing, budgeting, and operating in a high-stress environment. The exercise also included Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear attack simulations, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care drills. (US Air National Guard photo by 184th Comptroller Flight)
Preparation began in January with a series of training events and graded injects. By August, 34 Airmen from 12 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units gathered at Fairchild Air Force Base to engage in five days of demanding scenarios. Eighteen participants were divided into four teams, filling critical roles such as cashiers, disbursing agents, budget analysts, and comptroller/superintendents.
Airmen managed simulated cash using counting machines, processed transactions, and tackled complex budget challenges. They navigated the demanding disbursing agent spreadsheet, interacted with a simulated wing commander and command chief, and operated in a bare-base environment with limited communications designed to push them beyond their comfort zones.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear attack simulations required protective gear, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care drills tested their ability to perform under pressure. Although the attacks were simulated, they hit home as intended and created the needed stressors to replicate worst day scenarios.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Callie Simpson, sitting, and Tech Sgt. Dillon Callaway, 184th Comptroller Flight, Kansas Air National Guard, provide support during Exercise Sabertooth at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 1-7, 2025. Exercise Sabertooth focused on simulating challenges Airmen would face in deployed environments and improving skills related to disbursing, budgeting, and operating in a high-stress environment. The exercise also included Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear attack simulations, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care drills. (US Air National Guard photo by 184th Comptroller Flight)
2nd Lt. Cara Parise, 184th Wing, a key leader in exercise planning, received high praise from Baxter: “Without her guiding hand, this exercise wouldn’t have been such a success.”
Behind the scenes, facilitators made Sabertooth possible. Senior Master Sgt. Morgan Colleran, superintendent, 184th CPTF, anchored the White Cell, while Wing Inspection Team (WIT) members Ms. Joann Toetz, 184th CPTF; Master Sgt. Kevin Smith, 184th CPTF; Senior Master Sgt. Brandon O’Hair, superintendent, 181st CPTF, Indiana Air National Guard; and Maj Ryan Armes, commander, 165th CPTF, Georgia Air National Guard; meticulously documented performance and validated readiness.
Midweek, observers Master Sgt. Tamera Shaw and Master Sgt. Ashli Bunn, both assigned to the 136th CPTF, Texas Air National Guard, stepped in to assume WIT responsibilities, ensuring all teams standards remained high.
“It was incredible to watch months of detailed planning and hard work come to life,” said Colleran. “You could almost see the dollars flying as teams operated with precision, building real-world relationships that could be vital in a deployed environment.”
What made Sabertooth truly unique was its scale and integration. For the first time, the 184th CPTF trained alongside members from multiple Air National Guard Wings. These teams, made up of Airmen unfamiliar with one another, mirrored the deployed reality where finance professionals must quickly build trust and deliver results under pressure.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt, Michael Albright (left) and Tech. Sgt. Jesse Mark (right), 184th Comptroller Flight, Kansas Air National Guard, provide support during Exercise Sabertooth at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 1-7, 2025. Exercise Sabertooth focused on simulating challenges Airmen would face in deployed environments and improving skills related to disbursing, budgeting, and operating in a high-stress environment. The exercise also included Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear attack simulations, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care drills. (US Air National Guard photo by 184th Comptroller Flight)
“Sabertooth pushed us to our limits under high-stress conditions. It strengthened my confidence as a leader and deepened my trust in our team’s capabilities,” said Master Sgt. Matthieu Statler, 184th CPTF. “I’m certain any member of our team could deploy and represent the 184th with excellence. The strongest benefit was the bond we forged; sharing this unique experience outside our normal duties truly solidified our camaraderie.”
Observers agreed unanimously: Sabertooth set the gold standard for Financial Management contingency training.
“Success wasn’t about perfection,” Baxter emphasized. “It was about trusting our training, embracing challenges, supporting teammates, and growing through adversity. By week’s end, these 34 professionals proved they’re ready to deliver when it matters most.”
Not only was Sabertooth a success, but it’s also laying the foundation for the future. Colleran traveled to the National Guard Bureau immediately following Sabertooth’s completion to help develop an “Exercise in a Box”—a scalable training package based on Sabertooth’s model that will be available to 90 Wings across the nation.
The 184th Comptroller Flight has clearly demonstrated their readiness to finance the fight, anytime, anywhere!
