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20th CES 'roughs it'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C --  Shaw's 20th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in the recent Phase I and Phase II readiness exercises, but that didn't satisfy their hunger to train. 

One-hundred and five Airmen began a specialized, four-day field training exercise May 21 on the eastern side of the base. 

Tucked back in the wooded area, CE Airmen accomplished several training requirements. 

The Air Force recently made the FTX a mandatory requirement for all Civil Engineer Squadrons, said Tech. Sgt. Eric Bodden, 20th CES Readiness Prime Beef NCOIC. 

The Airmen were trained in self-aid buddy care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hardening, weapons safety, decontamination, security, land navigation, night operations, and any job-specific training required, he said. All of the training is taught by CE Airmen who self-study to become experts in the area. Self-aid buddy care and CPR are the only classes which are required to be taught by certified trainers. 

"Some of the Airmen feel that the training is unrealistic and the scenarios will never happen. We can never say never. All we can do is take the lessons learned and train to the best of our ability; so that when 'never' happens, we are prepared," said Col. Jacqueline Crum, 20th CES commander. 

The squadron is a unique combination of nine different job specialties, including the fire department and explosive ordinance disposal. 

Along with the standard training, the fire department also performed a controlled burn during the exercise to get some hands-on training, Sergeant Bodden said. 

Other specialized training included operation of vehicles in full chemical protective gear, he said. The Airmen endured Mission Oriented Protective Posture Level 4 for a few hours continuously as part of the exercise. 

"During wartime, we have to respond to any type of crisis, any type of emergency, regardless of whether we're in MOPP 4 or not," Sergeant Bodden said. 

"The training here was put together well," said Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Blanding, 20th CES training manager. "The FTX gives members experience in areas of their jobs that they can't get in a classroom." 

The Airmen were "training like they fight," as the Air Force likes to say. Not only did the Airmen carry weapons and wear a protective helmet everywhere they went, they also spent each night in tents. 

The CE Airmen slept in group tents with air conditioning capability, except for those who really wanted to 'rough it.' EOD and Colonel Crum were in single-man pop-up tents enjoying the rugged outdoor experience. 

For fine dining, the 20th Services Squadron supplied their expertise in the field with breakfast and lunch buffets. 

"Everyone has had a really positive attitude out here," Sergeant Bodden said. 

With high spirits, the Airmen's training paid off in more ways than one. Not only does it keep the Airmen up-to-date on their requirements, but their hard work has earned them a good old fashioned barbecue, he said. 

"I'm grateful to the entire squadron for their effort and attitude displayed throughout the week. CE leads the way," Colonel Crum said.