Travis SFS Airmen participate in combat field training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Caif. --  Air Force security forces and Naval Masters of Arms from Team Travis came together April 22 for a three-day joint combat field training exercise at Camp Park Reserve Force Training Area in Dublin, Calif.

The training is meant to prepare Airmen and Sailors for the growing number of deployments the Department of Defense has implemented for overseas missions.

"The training helps servicemembers develop their skills, which will help them while deployed downrange," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Russo, 60th Security Forces Squadron trainer. "The Navy gets to see a different world in this training and provides them some extra skills they can use and benefit from."

The training also allows Travis Security Forces a chance to work side by side with another branch of the military, which many do not have the opportunity to do until downrange.

"This training is going to give me a better view and a heads up for what is to come downrange," said Airman 1st Class Justin Curtis, 60th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "I feel like I will be better prepared and have a little knowledge on what to expect during my first deployment."

The servicemembers first go through a two-day class that teaches them and gives them a refresher on all the knowledge needed to successfully complete the three-day training at Camp Parks.

"This kind of training is exactly what will prepare inexperienced Airmen during their deployments downrange," said Tech. Sgt. Dwight Valeros, 60th Security Forces Squadron flight chief. "Getting to work in a joint setting early allows the Airmen to break down those barriers allowing them to communicate more successfully as a team."

While at Camp Parks servicemembers were tested on their skills of land navigation, mounted operations (vehicle patrols) and dismounted operations (walking patrols.)

"As a prior deployer, I see training like this as a way to refresh my skills," said Senior Airman Juan Gonzalez, 60th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "It helps me stay current on battle drills, techniques and tactics that will keep me safe downrange."

Many of the obstacles the servicemembers faced during the exercise were simulated enemy fire, harsh terrain for the servicemembers to navigate, mock roadside explosives and smoke bombs.

During the training, servicemembers from Travis dealt with heat, extra gear, as well as mountainous trails, overgrown vegetation and terrain with no established trails.

"I just hope this training keeps them alive in any situation where they are required to do their duties, either at home base or deployed," said Master Sgt. Edward Grant, 60th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training. "As long as the servicemembers take a bit of what they learned this week and apply it to a situation, then the training should be consider a success."