Balad PJs, CSAR train so 'that others may live'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrea Thacker
  • Air Forces Central Public Affairs - Combined Air and Space Operations Center
Air Force Combat Search and Rescue assets spend countless hours training for a mission they hope to never execute. 

Since staying proficient and current on operational training is vital for Balad pararescuemen, a team of them recently teamed with HH-60G Pave Hawk crews from the 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to perform a training mission.

"Our primary mission is combat search and rescue for all the Combined Forces Air Component commander's assets in Iraq," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Fleming, 66th ERQS Guardian Angel Team leader. "Training is important because its helps us stay motivated and current, so we won't be caught by surprise when something happens."

Senior Airman Corey Farr, a San Diego native who received his PJ instructor upgrade during the training mission, stressed the importance of training in the deployed environment.

"We are constantly training and rehearsing the many adverse situations we might encounter during a rescue," Airman Farr said. "Staying sharp on our skills and continuously training is important because our skills are perishable. Training ensures we know the proper methods of executing techniques, because if done improperly, it could prove to be fatal."

During the training mission, PJs practiced alternate infiltration and exfiltration, or AIE methods, for times when a helicopter is unable to land. These AIE methods include air-land snatching, rope laddering, hoisting, fast roping and rappelling in and out of the helicopter.

"Training and working closely with the CSAR helicopter assets is an added benefit here because they are our main source of transportation to isolated personnel," Airman Farr said. "They provide an excellent training platform for us. We work congruently to help each other keep up on mandatory training items."

Members of the helicopter crews agreed that training with the PJs is necessary to the mission .

"Training is vital and everybody's input is important," said Capt. Ryan Kay, a 66th ERQS Pave Hawk pilot. "We are their recovery vehicle, so we really need to make sure we work well together and everyone is on their game to ensure we accomplish the mission. "They have a difficult job. As soon as we land or get them on the ground, their mission is to recover whoever's on the ground that we need to pick up." 

"That others may live" is a motto echoed throughout the CSAR community.

"We have the most noble mission in the Air Force," Captain Kay said. "Our job is to go out there and help fellow servicemembers. There is a huge sense of camaraderie among us. Really, just the idea that you're there to help your buddies out is about the most rewarding mission you can get. "

Risking their lives to save others is why members of the CSAR community practice their skills continuously and are willing to offer up their lives to come to the aid of those in need.

"This is an honorable mission and a great force multiplier," Sergeant Fleming said. "I like the feeling we give our fellow servicemembers. They know that no matter what, they will not be left behind."

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page