163d RW hones combat skills

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Paul Duquette
  • 163d Reconnaissance Wing
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Sixty-seven members of the 163d Reconnaissance Wing recently returned from a 163d Security Forces Squadron annual training deployment at the 298th Multifunctional Training Unit (MFTU) at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii. 

"The goal of the 47 SFS members was to obtain training on mount (convoy) tactics and to allow the NCOs (noncommissioned officers) to build necessary leadership skills," said Security Forces operations officer and training field commander Capt. Jassen Bluto. 

The remaining members of the wing acted as support staff, providing real-world support, such as communications instruction, medical, transportation, mission support group administration, public affairs and meals during the deployment. 

From the time the C-17 Globemaster III touched down at Hickam Air Force Base, the SFS members were treated as if it was a real-world deployment. After arriving at Bellows, the SFS troops were briefed and split into three fire squads. Shortly after the in-briefing, each squad leader personnel and briefed them on the upcoming events and scheduling issues. 

"The moment we stepped on base we ran in to scheduling conflicts with the Army and the Marines," said SFS Unit Resource Manager Staff Sgt. Andrew Musselman. "We had Army instructors teaching some classes and we needed a field training site which the Marines were using, so we had to work around their schedules." 

During the deployment, the first week was dedicated to classroom instruction and practical application. Some of the training included land navigation, mount tactics and building search and clear tactics. 

The Army instructed most of the classes said SFS member Staff Sgt. Anthony Diaz. 

"It is really awesome to have an opportunity to see how the Army operates. It was excellent co-service training." 

After the training, the squads were put to the ultimate test - a nearly two day, 'round-the-clock field training exercise (FTX). The goal of the FTX was to capture a base of operations and defend it using the tactics learned during the first week's instruction. During the 42-hour FTX, the troops were pushed to their physical and mental limits. 

"This training is very important," explained Captain Bluto, "We're able to get more training done here, because everyone is detached from everything and their focus is here." 

During the FTX, SFS Standards and Evaluation Manager Master Sgt. Kevin King and Sergeant Musselman headed a team called OPFOR, or opposing forces, that continuously attacked the base. The team incorporated members of the support staff during their down time. 

"As OPFOR, we tested the squads' readiness, composure under fire, problem solving and ability to manage stressful situations," said Sergeant King, "From start to end of exercise, this training was extremely valuable and far exceeded our expectations."