Warrior training prepares Airmen for deployment

  • Published
  • By Capt Richard Milton
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  How do commanders keep folks alive in a hostile environment?
They train them as well and as realistically as possible.
One way our Team Vance members are prepared for deployment is through a rigorous training program called Operation Ready Warrior.
Under the motto "train as you fight," Ready Warrior provides hands-on weapons familiarization as well as the chance to react to training simulations. While some bases do have a Ready Warrior program, there aren't many that can boast providing actual field exercises during their training programs. A combination of field training with joint forces training that utilizes Army expertise creates a solid training program. It delivers the real-world flavor needed to provide people with valuable skills for increased survivability in a hostile combat environment.
In today's joint environment, none can argue that the role and mission of the Air Force has changed. It has changed as steadily as the tactics used today to engage our foes in the field. The traditional roles previously reserved for our Army and Marine counterparts are making their way into the ranks of the Air Force.
Gone are the days of the "Chair Force." They have been replaced by days of rigorous training designed to better prepare our Airmen for what they will meet "downrange" at a location far from home and far less safe.
Ready Warrior training consists of two and one-half days of classroom instruction on everything from self aid and buddy care to individual tactics and techniques. Straight from the classroom to the field, the training continues with more intensive hands-on versions of what was covered in the classroom as well as military convoy operations, night vehicle operations utilizing night vision goggles, providing ground base defense, challenge and password exercises and reacting to ambush and enemy fire.
We no longer think, "I am in the Air Force, I don't train like that." Down range is not the time for our Airmen to experience brand-new scenarios for the first time. It is important our Airmen have the needed training to supply them with valuable skills to handle those tough, real-world situations and Ready Warrior is aimed at providing Airmen with those skills.