Eielson Airmen participate in convoy training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  More than 40 Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron received convoy operations training this month at Eielson.

Eight 354th CES Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen provided basic knowledge for convoy operations in a combat environment. The training familiarized Airmen with tactics, techniques and procedures commonly used by the Army and Marine Corps.

Part of the training integrated different terms other services use and integrating the acronyms commonly used in convoys. It also covered contact under fire, improvised explosive device strikes, reactions to these types of incidents and reacting to casualty scenarios. Participants also learned how to call in and prepare a landing zone for the medical evacuation team.

"The purpose is to increase safety and knowledge base for Airmen who are put into positions where they have to go outside the wire," said Master Sgt. William Kellum, 354th CES EOD Superintendent.

The training started in a classroom where Airmen were briefed on safety, different terms that were to be used and different convoy operation techniques, before moving on to field training at the range.

"I believe it went really well. I definitely saw an increase in knowledge and individuals working together," said Sergeant Kellum.

Although this round of training was just for CES, EOD Airmen are working to expand the course and invite squadrons across base to participate before going to combat skills training.

According to Sergeant Kellum the training provides the ground work to better prepare Airmen for combat skills training.

"The objective is to be able to think and direct others in high stress situations," said Capt. Richard Ellis, 354th CES Programs flight officer in charge. "Today's training went great. Everyone worked together and did a good job following directions. Training on the range is a lot different that training in a classroom. It allows us to feel that sense of urgency and feels more realistic."

Approximately half of CES deployment taskings are Joint Expeditionary Taskings, meaning they are more likely to deploy with Soldiers and Marines.

"There's a high demand from the Army and other services for our engineering expertise," said Captain Ellis.

Local training opportunities allow Eielson Airmen to hone their communication skills and provide them with the skills to thrive at CST.

"This is a good prep course for our deployers prior to going to CST where they're required to do these types of scenarios. This allows Airmen to key in on acronyms that the Army uses so they're not lost," said Sergeant Kellum.