Security forces receive realistic deployment training

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFPN) --  Crawling around the wet grass in England may not, at first glance, compare much to being in hostile territory. But for 13 Airmen of the 100th Security Forces Squadron here, it felt pretty real.

Spending 12 to 15 hours each day for five days at the training complex here, Airmen rode around in Humvees with their faces covered in camouflage makeup, confronted ambushes and dealt with improvised explosive devices.

Though the drizzly weather here might be different from the weather in Iraq, the combat-readiness skills they were learning are as close as possible to those used in the field, said Senior Airman Robert Horton, a 100th SFS Airman who spent six months in Iraq in 2004.

“This training is very accurate to what I’ve experienced (in Iraq). Being (at the Mildenhall training complex) is a good training tool, and has definitely improved my skills,” he said. “It definitely gets you in the mindset you need when you’re about to deploy.”

The combat readiness force training is held two weeks each month. It was developed two years ago to give the squadron Airmen the 123 hours of training in ground-combat skills needed to meet Air Force training standards.

“We provide localized training, and we’re the only unit in (U.S. Air Forces in Europe) to have its own combat readiness force instructors,” said Senior Airman Dustin Goodwin, one of two instructors for the course.

There are different levels of training, including Creek Defender at Sembach Air Base, Germany, and Level 2 training in the United States. The Mildenhall complex is a great asset to the squadron’s training, and also saves money, Airman Goodwin said. The instructors teach ground-combat skills by using their own experiences in a combat theater and attending a weeklong “train-the-trainer” class at Sembach.

“(In Iraq), the terrain is different, but we teach these guys as though they’re going to the desert,” said Senior Airman Russell Whitmore, the other instructor. “We set up scenarios and teach them how to react when they’re being attacked or see explosive devices. We train like we fight and fight like we train -- aggressively, but safely.”

The training also includes nighttime patrols, use of night-vision goggles and a reconnaissance patrol during which Airmen have to go outside “friendly” lines to get information and bring it back to higher headquarters.

“Folks who’ve been (to Iraq) give us critiques and feedback on the training we’ve given them and how they implemented it there,” Airman Goodwin said. “Their information means we can change our training as necessary, so folks deploying in the future get the ‘real deal’ guidance they need. (People) who’ve deployed to Iraq before often say how realistic our training is.”

The entire squadron, from the Airmen right up to the commander, said they realize how important this training is to those deploying.

“I’m not going to send these (Airmen to Iraq) without the best weapons and the best training,” said Lt. Col. Paul Harris, 100th SFS commander. “This training helps build my confidence level, knowing my people are prepared.” (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)