March 21, 2014
Kaiserslautern American
Page 9
Photos by Airman 1st Class Holly Mansfield
Members of 86th Civil Engineer Group practice dismantling and assembling M16 rifles during a readiness training course March 13 on Ramstein. During training, members moved through different stations, such as weapons handling and defensive fighting positions, to familiarize themselves with the basics of each topic.
786th CES beefs up skills with training by Airman Dymekre Allen 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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irmen of the 786th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted their Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force training that permitted them to hone their skills and improve combat readiness for deployed operations. The once-a-month training allowed Airmen to refresh and enhance their capabilities as well as to work together with other units to prepare them to work alongside other branches of service in a deployed environment.
Senior Airman Brandon Heim, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management technician, assembles an M16 rifle during a readiness training day March 13.
“It’s good training that prepares us for a variety of different operations,” said Senior Airman Jared Jones, 786th CES electrical power production technician. “It makes me feel more confident and a lot safer knowing we’d be ready for anything should the situation call for it.” During the training, members gathered in small groups and went through different stations to learn weapons handling, defensive fighting positions, security activities and emergency engineering assistance to familiarize themselves with the basics of each section. “It allows them to get from behind the desk and receive hands-on training they wouldn’t normally get from computer-based training,” said Master Sgt. Edward Jones, 786th CES expeditionary engineering superintendent. “This training is only going to benefit us in the long run.” The Airmen had to complete a series of tasks in each section before moving to the next portion of the training. The Airmen agreed the training gives them a broader perspective of their mission and gives them the heads-
Airman 1st Class Eric Welsh, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management technician, puts together an M16 rifle.
up on what to expect in the field. “The emphasis is on training,” Edward said. “The (Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force) is important at an Air Force level. We have to be ready for anything, because at a moment’s notice any one of us could be packing our bags
and be called to fight for our country.” Airmen of the 786th CES train constantly to ensure every operation they conduct is a successful one. By maintaining a high level of training, they produce effective Airmen ready for any operation.