Ramstein kicks off new combat skills course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  As part of an effort to better prepare all Airmen for deployment, Ramstein kicked off a new two-day Combat Skills Training course Nov. 12.

Like most combat skills courses, the training started in the classroom. The 15 Airmen who participated in the course were given an overview so they knew what was expected of them.

"While the course is only two days long, it's still intense and consists of basic battle methods that will be taught throughout its entirety," said Capt. Keith Quick, 435th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. We don't expect to make anyone a hero, but rather equip them with the skills needed to function accurately in a deployed environment."

The Air Force established a requirement that all Airmen must be equipped with the skills needed for combat prior to deploying. In turn, Airmen must complete CST before they depart Ramstein.

"We must ensure our Airmen are fully prepared when deploying in support of the war on terror," said Col. Don "Bits" Bacon, 435th Air Base Wing commander, in his guidance to the wing. "All Airmen will attend CST prior to deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan or other hostile fire areas."

Being mentally sharp, focused and fit-to-fight were the key elements instructors focused on throughout the training course. They also stressed to students that regardless of their career field, they could be called upon to fulfill the duty of a security forces member when in a deployed environment.

"I should be able to take a munitions Airmen or maintenance Airmen, put them on a fire team and know that they'll be able to rock-in-roll without hesitation," said Staff Sgt. Robert Graves, 435th SFS lead training instructor.

As the war on terror continues, Airmen are expected to know and do more while deployed.

"We don't want Air Force members to get complacent when deployed and develop a false sense of security," Sergeant Graves said. "One of our main focuses here is joint base defense. We need to be prepared at all times; every Air Force member is a warfighter."

As with any type of training course, planning for the course layout took time and manpower. The 435th Communications Squadron ensured the equipment was available for the classroom portion, while the 435th SFS spent four weeks writing the curriculum -- coming up with the physical and education aspects of the training.

"This is a physically demanding course, especially during the summer months," Sergeant Graves said. "We must push the students out of their comfort zones now so they won't be caught off guard when in certain situations downrange."

After completing lessons taught in the classroom, Airmen were instructed to gear up in full battle dress and relocate to the field where they would perform various combat exercises such as low crawl, high crawl, rush and roll, challenging personnel, and close combat riffle training.

"I feel like I've really benefited from this course," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Taylor, 435th Munitions Squadron, a student in the course who is deploying to Iraq. "This training is definitely something that needed to happen. All Airmen need to be equipped with the proper skills prior to deployment. The physical aspect of the course is one of the most beneficial to me. We need this refresher; these aren't techniques that we get to practice on a daily bases."

Towards the end of training, students were evaluated on their hustle, motivation and attention to detail.

"This is a mentally and physically challenging course," Captain Quick said. "But hopefully the skills taught during this two-day training will enhance our warfighters and aid them to be successful in fighting the war on terror."

The Combat Skills Training Course is held once a week, with the ability to go twice a week during peak deployment times. Unit Deployment Managers are responsible for getting Airmen scheduled prior to deployments.