BEAST gets rave reviews a year after opening

  • Published
  • By Mike Joseph
  • 37th Training Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Air Force officials here had high expectations for the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training course that opened in December 2008, which coincided with the expansion of Basic Military Training to 8.5 weeks.

"I think the BEAST is running exceptionally well," said Col. Shane Courville, the 737th Training Group commander. 

"It has met and exceeded all the expectations of the Air Force," he said. "The practical application of the BEAST reinforces everything we've taught them in the classroom. It's helping shape our Airmen into warrior Airmen."

Positive feedback from Airmen who have been through the combined programs is more than 95 percent. 

Most Airmen who responded to surveys commented, "Finally, we can apply what we've been learning."

In addition to giving trainees a week of the sights, sounds and emotions in a deployed environment, flexibility of the BEAST allows real-world scenarios to be incorporated quickly.

"We monitor real world events and the programs are flexible enough we can make changes and modifications to teach the latest techniques," Colonel Courville said.

One of the greatest dangers not only to Airmen, but also all military members in Iraq and Afghanistan is improvised explosive devices. As enemy tactics change with planting and hiding IEDs, the BEAST has adapted and followed suit.

"They are trying to get creative in how they set IEDs off," Colonel Courville said. "We are teaching the trainees to recognize signs (and be ready for anything)."

Phase 2 of the BEAST officially opened Oct. 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Office space for instructors and a medical facility for initial medical care were unveiled, replacing old wooden structures.

A dining facility to serve hot meals and an overhang area for gathering up to 1,000 trainees for group meetings are also a part of Phase 2.

Colonel Courville's vision for the future includes additional areas like a rubberized track, rubber underneath the overhang for group physical training and a loudspeaker system that can be heard in all four of the BEAST's zones along with computer integration among the zones.

Officials are still receiving feedback from downrange supervisors about the BEAST. And if their feedback is as positive as the Airmen's, new descriptive adjectives for the BEAST will be in order.