Combat training adds to Airmen's skills Published Feb. 27, 2007 By Senior Airman Lana Mills Air Force News Agency SAN ANTONIO (AFNEWS) -- Combat training is critical for Airmen deploying downrange. Senior Airman Joshua Issermoyer, a tactical air controller stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, already has deployed but continues to strengthen his skills with more training. Some of that training involved approximately 2,300 American and Canadian servicemembers at the Dona Ana Range in New Mexico, and was part of an exercise called Rapid Reflex. "Our sole purpose is to drop bombs on targets so when the enemy is engaging friendlies and we have no other means of taking them out, that's when we come in and do what we have to do. Our job is very important," Airman Issermoyer said. Part of his job during the exercise was to help train Canadian forward air controllers. "It gives us a good opportunity to see where we're at and where they're at, and kind of amalgamate the two to make sure we're both playing the same game out there," said Capt. Chloe Summerfield, one of the Canadian forward air controllers. "We have chosen to train at Fort Bliss for many reasons, but mainly for the climate and the environment that are very similar to what is found in Afghanistan. Every possible step has been taken to make the training realistic so that the soldiers can practice combat drills," said Capt. Catherine Larose, public affairs officer for the Canadian forces. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page