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.