Because Airmen are deploying to hostile areas, the Air Force directed major commands to provide those deploying intensive expeditionary combat skills training.

Since much of the training is ground-combat related, security forces are providing the training.

Fairchild has started providing its deploying Airmen combat skills training.

All troops deploying starting in January will go through a four-day training course. This exceeds the Air Force requirement of 19 hours. There are two more classes scheduled for November here, to satisfy immediate deployments needs.

“Our Airmen are all warriors … expeditionary combat skills training will give them more tools to safeguard themselves and fellow Airmen,” said Maj. Philip Holmes, 92nd Security Forces Squadron commander. “Training is the fundamental obligation of commanders.”

But at Fairchild, “We are preparing our Airmen beyond their specialty with skills to enhance their ability to react in a combat situation,” the major said.

Commanders are not exempt from the training. All Airmen -- E-1 to O-6 and regardless of specialty -- must complete the training before deployment.

“As a commander, my confidence will be in knowing my troops’ ability to respond,” said Lt. Col. David Piech, 92nd Civil Engineering Squadron commander. He will soon deploy with his unit to Iraq. “The training offers a sense of awareness and teaches things to do in emergency situations -- things for which to be on the lookout for and the ability to react appropriately.”

The goal of the training is for everyone exposed to combat to benefit from it, despite the differences in career fields.

“All Airmen have a role in the defense of the base, themselves and others. No matter what their Air Force specialty, they may find themselves in a situation where these skills will save their lives and that of others’,” Major Holmes said.

Staff Sgt. Misty Wyen, a videographer with 92nd Communications Squadron, said, “I am learning about different predicaments -- such as convoy operations and how to react in them. This training might not help me perform my primary job, but it will help me if I am put in a dangerous situation.”

The sergeant said the instructors are very knowledgeable.

“Most of them have been deployed and share their stories and experiences with us, which is very beneficial,” she said.

Fairchild offers additional training. That includes convoy operations -- an eight-hour segment -- and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device identification and avoidance. Airmen also get beefed-up weapons (grenade launchers and machine guns) familiarization training.

Fairchild leaders have decided to include additional combat skills training because the Air Force has given wing commanders the flexibility to conduct combat skills training to meet their mission-specific needs.

Subject matter experts from other units also help security forces instructors with the combat skills training.

“We are considered subject matter experts in ground combat skills. But there are other contributors -- such as civil engineering’s explosive ordnance disposal personnel -- who will assist us conduct the training,” said instructor J Colt. “We will use all resources to teach the course.”

Although the wing will give priority to people bound for Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force anticipates combat skills training to become a mandatory additional training for all Airmen.

“The Air Force needs to ensure every Airman is prepared for our changing combat environment,” Major Holmes said. “Our Airmen will be ready.”