MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Citizen Airmen assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing conducted numerous training events during a unit training assembly here Jan. 7-9 to hone their skills and emphasize readiness.
For Reserve Airmen, this meant planning and executing scenarios designed to employ a range of deployment and in-garrison skill sets in alignment with Gen. John Healy, Air Force Reserve Command commander’s “Ready Now” priority.
Among the training events accomplished, aircrew flight equipment Airmen set up and conducted a decontamination line where aircrew members practiced safely removing uniform items without transferring contaminants to others or themselves.
“Preparing and training on these decontamination techniques allows us to be ready for any scenario where they may be needed,” said Airman 1st Class Jennifer Rebollo, an aircrew flight equipment apprentice assigned to the 927th Operations Support Squadron. “It's better to be prepared and go through the steps now than someone ends up injured or hurt. In the end, it keeps us and the aircrew safe.”
Elsewhere, Airmen took part in tactical combat casualty care training. The first level of training is for all service members, providing the basics necessary to treat wounded personnel in a conflict or even in day-to-day life.
"We as a group of military members should be able and ready to effectively care for each other no matter what occupation we have,” said Tech. Sgt. Tyrone Randall, tactical combat casualty care instructor. “These basic skills save lives on and off the battlefield.”
The day-long course provided hands-on training, such as the proper use of placing a tourniquet kit on themselves or another injured individual, checking for signs of life and packing wounds using highly realistic training aids.
Members of the 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron conducted more in-depth training including care in a simulated combat environment.
“This training is a great refresher for all of us, especially for those who are deploying,” said Airman First Class Salvador Camacho, a medical logistics specialist assigned to the 927th AMDS. “Creating the muscle memory in these life-saving techniques ensures that we are ready to use our skills without hesitation.”
Planning and execution of realistic and in-depth training allow the 927th ARW to drive readiness at every opportunity. Implementing these types of training tackles our top priority to guarantee Reserve Citizen Airmen are mission ready, right now.