Operation KIDS: Military youths get a glimpse of deployment

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brandon O'Neil
  • Goodfellow Airman and Family Readiness Center
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  More than 60 military children experienced first-hand what it's like for their parents to deploy thanks to a group of more than 100 joint service volunteers during Goodfellow Operation KIDS 2010 Nov. 13 here.

Operation KIDS gave youths ages 5 through 18 the opportunity to play the role of their military parents for the day. The participants, most accompanied by a parent, started the day with a telephone recall instructing them to report to the primary deployment location, the event center, at their respected chalk times.

The new recruits then presented their deployment orders and were issued identification cards, dog tags, a mobility bag (backpack) and a uniform (T-shirt). They also processed through a mobility line where they spoke with base representatives from the chapel, finance, legal, Airman and family readiness center and medical group. They were issued money from finance and immunization tablets (candy), much like the mobility line their parents go through.

The troops were then given a specific intelligence mission brief covering flight plans and enemy threats before proceeding to a deployed air base. At the deployed location, each troop conquered a Marine Corps obstacle course, confined space tunnel and were instructed on proper use of various fire rescue vehicles. Members of the 17th Security Forces Squadron also presented a military working dogs demonstration to show how the K-9s apprehend and subdue enemy intruders. Before leaving the deployed air base, the troops got a glimpse of the "top secret" Norma Brown Trainer; specific mission details remain "G-14 classified".

After counterinsurgency training, the troops departed for forward operating base Camp Discovery. After arriving at Camp Discovery, they were welcomed and briefed by the deployed commander and first sergeant. Each troop was also given specific rules of engagement and preceded to the next stage of their training.

The troops received hands-on weapons training from the 17th SFS members, special techniques by Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agents, moulage treatment from medical and hand-to-hand fighting techniques from Soldiers. All of this training came together as the troops embarked on a humanitarian mission to a local village when the squads came under fire by hostile enemies armed with high-pressure chemical and biological assault weapons (Silly String). Thankfully, the squads were able to squash the ambush and arrive safely back to Camp Discovery.

Upon arrival back to Goodfellow Air Force Base, the veterans were greeted by a crowd of cheers, waving flags and a welcome home party. After a traditional American lunch, all deployed members received a certificate of deployment, American flag and a military brat coin for heroism in the face of adversity.