Ellsworth Aircrews train in Combat Raider Exercise 18-1

1st Lt. Thomas, a weapon systems officer assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, inspects the sniper pod on a B-1 bomber before take-off as part of exercise Combat Raider 18-1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 11, 2017. This exercise introduces aircrew to various air-to-air and air-to-ground scenarios to ensure they are well prepared for future combat missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

1st Lt. Kimberly, a weapon systems officer assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, boards a B-1 bomber for exercise Combat Raider 18-1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 11, 2017. Combat Raider provides joint and coalition training using realistic scenarios that support full-spectrum operations against modern threats and replicate today’s combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

A B-1 bomber takes-off for exercise Combat Raider 18-1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 11, 2017. The purpose of the exercise is to test cohesion and coordination between multiple aircraft flying within a large simulated combat area to complete a scenario. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

Maintainers prepare an Air Force Reserve A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter from Kansas City, Mo., for exercise Combat Raider 18-1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 11, 2017. Combat Raider integrates the A-10 Thunderbolt II with the B-1 bomber and helps aviators integrate as one joint unit, allowing more complex training that simulates a more realistic combat deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)

An Air Force Reserve A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter from Kansas City, Mo., participates in exercise Combat Raider 18-1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 11, 2017. Four A-10s joined Ellsworth aircrews in a joint military exercise over the Powder River Training Complex to prepare for their next deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)