Developing expertise: Know how to handle a fumble recovery

  • Published
  • By Maj. Curtis Juell
  • 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron commander
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  In 1964, when football legend Jim Marshall and former defensive linesman for the Minnesota Vikings picked up a fumble and ran 66 yards for what he thought was a touchdown, he instinctively did one thing very well upon seeing the loose football on the ground. He perfectly executed a ball recovery procedure just like he'd practiced hundreds of times in training drills -- he picked up the pigskin and ran toward the end of the playing field. Unfortunately, it ended up as a safety and two points for the other team.

Unfortunately, Marshall overlooked one key point while he was so fiercely focused on properly executing the basic steps he'd rehearsed throughout numerous practice sessions. Where did he go wrong in this grand execution? He failed because his training as a defensive linesman didn't generally include the follow-on steps of scoring after a fumble recovery. When Marshall needed to implement new steps beyond those he'd specifically trained for, he quickly lost his situational awareness.

This example illustrates why our military training programs and practice drills cannot end once the training record is signed off. Effective programs need to develop core skills and then include a full spectrum of follow-on training scenarios. First, define and teach the basics in any specialty by providing sufficient, hands-on training opportunities. Teach in a controlled environment when necessary and repeat step-by-step procedures as often as required to instill confidence in the trainee. 

Our combat skills training, chemical defense and weapons training all provide just-in-time familiarization in preparation for deployment, but they only skim the surface. Individuals, first-line supervisors and leaders must seek opportunities to continually review and perform these tasks well beyond the initial course.

Once a solid foundation of knowledge is developed, the next training phase needs to prepare Airmen to perform their tasks in various conditions by employing realistic scenarios where the trainees are exposed to unique, but probable, on-the-job challenges. Practice performing tasks in different environmental conditions, various light levels and background noise, or increased rates of speed. Include options where special equipment is worn and establish a training culture where completing the required tasks becomes instinctive in nearly every situation, even in the heat of battle.

Whether handling weapons, providing first aid to the wounded on the battlefield, loading or flying aircraft, or setting up a suite of tactical communications equipment, Airmen who are poorly trained and overlook one key procedure or lose situational awareness because of task unfamiliarity may suffer loss of life or contribute to mission failure.

This football highlight shows why we need to develop our expertise and know what to do if we recover a fumble. With ball in hand, Marshall quickly proceeded to the end of the field, but in the heat of the competition -- game-day distractions like the yelling he heard from the crowd and his teammates -- what likely sounded like cheers of triumph where in fact yells and warnings as his teammates tried to tell him to stop because he was running the wrong way. Train like you fight and don't let your teammates run the wrong way.

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