Creek Defender course trains new cadre

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Kenny Holston
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
BAUMHOLDER, Germany --  Airmen from the 786th Security Forces Squadron went through a grueling Creek Defender cadre training course here Oct. 19 to 26. The goal of the weeklong course was to equip security forces Airmen with the tools necessary to be cadre instructors in one of the Air Force's largest pre-deployment training centers. 

Creek Defender is a course used to train and prepare security forces Airmen for the new tactics and war fighting methods being used in today's war on terror. 

"This is a tough training week in the field for our eight new cadres," said Senior Creek Defender Instructor Tech. Sgt. Somchai Rollins. "It all starts with mission planning and mission scenarios. We must ensure our cadre training is top notch for this elite group of Airmen that will be training our warfighters for the real thing." 

All of the students have gone through the basic course, so the cadre course builds upon what they have already learned. 

"I am now being equipped with the skills I need to train other Airmen while going through the course," said Staff Sgt. Josh Gilreath, a student from the 786th SFS. 

Though the course is a strenuous one, the students realize the reward at the end of the week. 

"I'll be able to provide students going through the course knowledge and tactical strategy, making them and their units successful in a deployed environment," said Seregeant Gilreath. "Though it's been a challenging week, it will be well worth it when I'm standing in front of a class of 40 to 50 students." 

The main focus of the course was on several physical exercises, but classroom work was incorporated as well. 

"Although we always have our boots to the ground doing physical and tactical training missions, we must also set aside time to gain knowledge in the classroom," said Master Sgt. Benjamin Del Mar, senior instructor from the 786th SFS. "Everything we apply in the field stems from education gained in the classroom." 

As with every training course came evaluation. Students were evaluated by senior instructors who gave an overview of their performance. 

"We aim to make our new cadre think outside the box," said Capt. Jason Hardy, 786th SFS Regional Training Center Flight OIC. "We bring them out here to give them ideas and ways to better train students going through the course." 

Not only does the cadre course allow the students an opportunity to hone skills, but also the chance to make a difference in today's war fighters. 

"The training that is taking place this week is vital to the way the course is conducted," Captain Hardy said. "If we train our cadre hard it will carry over to the Creek Defender course training for students preparing to deploy. We run a tight and sufficient program, which in turn leads to success in supporting the global war on terrorism."