Contingency Skills Course helps prepare Airmen for battle

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
I knew the Air Force was doing more on the frontlines. However, the contingency skills training course at Fort Dix N.J., gave me a new perspective.

Low-crawling in the mud with simulated, insurgents firing AK-47s marked the beginning of my, and my classmates, appreciation of our sister services.

Working with the Army and Marines on convoy operations, military operations in urban terrain, combat first aid and defensive operations were some of the specific training the instructors wanted to familiarize the students with.

"The CST cadre made it clear on day one the Air Force is transforming itself in deployed environments," said Lt. Col. Dave Beale, course squad leader. "How many of us thought five years ago, our career field would be using basic infantry skills to bolster security forces, or the Army."

The main Air Force specialties participating in the course was public affairs, legal and finance.

"CST style training should be mandatory for all Airmen, not only those in certain career fields scheduled to deploy," said Capt. Richard O'Brien, course student from the Air Force Legal Operations Agency, Washington D.C. "The skills I've learned in the past two weeks have opened my eyes and should serve me well if the need arises."

Most of the students would agree that if put into situations like a convoy attack, this training would be useful.

"This is the first training in my Air Force career that could save my life in the area of responsibility," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Doscher, course student from the 1st Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, Va. "Every Airmen should take this course," he added.

As the training progressed, I could see the Airmen becoming more proficient at clearing and charging M-16s as well as quickly re-loading and un-jamming during chaotic situations.

The exposure to blank gunfire and simulated rocket-propelled grenades added to the realism the cadre was looking to duplicate.

The cadre has different levels of contingency experience.

My cadre was involved in a convoy in Afghanistan when a vehicle in front of him was hit by an improvised explosive device.

"I felt the sting of dirt and debris that came into my opened window when the improvised explosive device struck," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Marsh, CST instructor. "This training is a slap in the face. It conditions you to perform in a chaotic situation."