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Deployers gain combat skills, tactics

  • Published
  • By Marv Lynchard
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill (4-06-06) --  The first rule in fighting and winning the Global War on Terrorism is surviving in the combat. Knowledge gained by education and training is the key to mastering that rule.

The 375th Security Forces Squadron makes this knowledge available by providing Expeditionary Combat Skills Training to deploying expeditionary forces.

Deploying expeditionary forces from various units around the base received week long combat training that included two days of classroom training culminating with a full day of “hands-on” field training at Scott Lake that tested their ability to execute the knowledge gained during the week.

The deploying troops were trained on a number of combat skills that included reaction to fire, rules of engagement, convoys, team and individual movements, and combat tactics.

Master Sgt. Joseph Branchek, Superintendent of Resources and Training, 375th SFS, stated the importance of the training. “I feel it’s the right thing to do. The Air Force needs to properly train personnel prior to putting them into harm’ s way. It gives deploying personnel some basic skills that could save their lives in a combat environment.”

Expeditionary Combat Skills trainee, Staff Sgt. Katrin Ondriezek, Medical Service Journeyman from the 375th Medical Surgical Operations Squadron, felt that the M-16 training was the most beneficial.

“Not only is your weapon your individual protection, but it kind of becomes your friend. Learning how to properly maintain, solve problems that might occur, and use it effectively will be the one thing that could keep you alive. It could essentially become the angel on your shoulder.”

Trainee Staff Sgt. Tony Tolley, a photographer with the 375th Communications Squadron, believes that the combat skills training will help immensely in the deployed environment.

“I feel the training has helped with a quick insight into the realities some of us may face. It is quite a bit of info thrown at you in a short amount of time, but any info is important. The scenarios, guest speakers, and the presentations shown give a realistic look into what we may be facing.”

Security Forces training personnel are currently scheduled to train 280 personnel. Ultimately they will train everyone who is deploying unless their career field has a school or course with higher requirements.