Career Day and AEF Training

Last week during Lead Lab the cadets had the privilege of listening to a variety of different Majors in the USAF and the officers each talked about the highlights of their particular career field. The cadets were able to both listen and learn from the experience of each officer that was present. The jobs of the officers present ranged from multiple pilots for different aircraft, navigation, civil engineering, and security forces. The cadets were able to get a broad idea of what day-to-day life in each career field entails.

Yesterday the cadets built on their AEF training previously learned in the semester. The cadets went into the field to practice Land Navigation, Self Aid Buddy Care, Small Unit Tactics, as well as added new concepts. The cadets were able to learn proper procedures for searching a vehicle, prisoner searching and detainment and UXO and IED precautions. The cadets were able to use their prior learned skills from previous weeks, and were able to learn a few more. The cadets worked together very well in the field with the FTP cadets leading the squadrons, and other cadets executing commands. After the cadets finished their AEF training they participated in a Warrior Run to work on physical training as well as improve squadron morale.

AEF Day

Last week the DET 440 Wing was able to get down and dirty for AEF (Air Expeditionary Forces) training! The cadets learned a variety of skills they will need to know in the active duty Air Force. Among these skills were radio communication, small unit tactics, land navigation, and of course self aid buddy care! The squadrons rotated through the learning stations in an orderly fashion, with FTP leading each squadron. During small unit tactics, the cadets learned to move together as a fire team. During small unit tactics they also learned how to maneuver from the prone position, to a short sprint, and back to the prone position. They used the saying, "I'm up, they see me, I'm down" to help with this quick-paced drill. This is where most of us really got down and dirty in the mud! Not only did we learn the skills we needed, but we were also able to have some fun with it, which is always good. In self aid buddy care the cadets were able to simulate first aid for broken bones, chest wounds, tourniquets, and more. During radio communications the cadets were able to use radios to call to a control tower and use the pro-words they had learned earlier. They were also able to practice some SALUTE reports (size, activity, location, uniform, time, equipment). Having good radio skills is VERY VERY important in the Air Force because communication is one of the keys to air power. Land navigation was also a very good skill to learn for the military and for life itself. They learned to read compasses and use a pace count to get to certain destinations. The cadets were presented with a great deal of information during AEF training. They are expected to remember these skills for future use in their ROTC and Active Duty careers. Overall, AEF training was a very rewarding, educational, and fun experience for the Wing.