News>Airmen vie for slots in Army Air Assault course
Photos
Tech. Sgt. Pablo Gonzalez completes the final obstacle in a course during try-outs for the Army Air Assault Course Feb. 1, 2011, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Sergeant Gonzalez and 15 other security forces members from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, are scheduled to attend the two-week Air Assault Course beginning May 5, 2011. Sergeant Gonzalez is assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss)
Senior Airmen Ray Burk and Jordan Miller watch as their fellow Airmen complete an obstacle course during try-outs for the Army Air Assault Course Feb. 1, 2011, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Sixteen security forces members are scheduled to attend the two-week Air Assault Course beginning May 5, 2011. Airmen Burk and Miller are assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss)
Senior Airman Jeffrey Kristek climbs a rope on "The Tough One," an obstacle course Feb. 1, 2011, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Sixteen security forces members are scheduled to attend a two-week Army Air Assault Course beginning May 5, 2011. Airman Kristek is assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss)
Senior Airman Anthony Elizondo, a 647th Security Forces Squadron Airman from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, low crawls under barbed wire as part of an obstacle course Feb. 1, 2011, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Sixteen security forces members are trying out to attend a two-week Army Air Assault Course beginning May 5, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss)
by Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Affairs
2/7/2011 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The sound of 12 Airmen chanting "air assault, air assault, air assault" over and over with every left step as they marched double time through the woods was audible from a distance.
They'd been on duty since 4:30 a.m., completed an Army physical training test, and were about to face "The Tough One," an obstacle named for its physical and mental requirements in the mountainous terrain of Wahiawa, Hawaii.
But this was just a try-out. After two days of being pushed to their physical and mental limits Feb. 1 and 2, 647th Security Forces Squadron Airmen from here will know whether or not they will be eligible to attend an even more challenging course in May.
"Air Assault is a two-week Army course," said Staff Sgt. Brett Lafreniere, the 647th SFS NCO in charge of training. "It's actually a pretty difficult course in the Army. Over those two weeks, they'll have to complete four-, eight-, and 12-mile road marches; rappell off (UH-60) Blackhawk helicopters from 90 feet in the air; make Blackhawk sling loads; learn about combat assault operations; and undergo rigorous testing both with written (evaluations) and hands-on practicals."
The Airmen do all of this, to earn the Army Air Assault badge -- something most Airmen never have the opportunity to wear.
After two sets of try-outs, Sergeant Lafreniere will be able to determine which Airmen can start training for the upcoming course, hosted by the 25th Infantry Division and 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Those trying out not only volunteered but also had to be recommended by their flight leadership, medically cleared, and in excellent physical condition, he said. These are the topmost Airmen and NCOs in their flight or on staff.
"These two days are to assess where they're at right now," he said. "They don't have to be the most physically fit, just show determination and heart. Everything has a purpose, whether to put some stress on them or to mirror the actual course."
As long as they show determination, whether they fall in last place, first place or the middle of the pack, Sergeant Lafreniere said he can work with them and train them over the next three months so that they can proudly represent the Air Force in 16 out of 480 slots at the Air Assault courses.
After a long, hard day of training, Tech. Sgt. Pablo Gonzalez, the 647th Security Forces Squadron assistant Bravo flight chief, said he was feeling "pretty tired, but pretty motivated."
"It's good training," he said. "I've never done anything like this. We don't get this training very often because it's not specific to security forces; but I think it's a great opportunity and will further my career and those of everyone else on the team."
The Tough One -- the rope climb -- was the hardest part for Senior Airman Stephen Biddinger, a 647th SFS base defense operations center controller. He trimmed down after weighing 245 pounds, and he's now trying to get out of the security forces career field and go into pararescue. He said he is happy to expand his horizons now and gain more experience, and wearing the Air Assault badge will give him extra credibility as a future NCO.
"It is a good leadership opportunity," Sergeant Lafreniere said. "Some may be put in front of or in charge of up to 40 Soldiers at a time. It helps any time we're doing joint operations downrange or back here doing joint training. When we wear a badge they've earned in the Army, it shows we stepped out of our normal Air Force roles to take on extra leadership and challenges."
The 16 Airmen chosen to complete the Air Assault course have three months of tough training to look forward to before May.
"They'll hate me for these two days, but they'll say it's the most rewarding two days of their careers because they were yelled at, there was pressure, but they succeeded," Sergeant Lafreniere said. "It's cool to see them start to fail but then see them mentally come out of it and push through the adversity. As long as they're competitive, they won't fail."
Comments
8/5/2011 7:26:45 AM ET AF turned Army NCO: are you special? When does the AF use anything other than fixed wing aircraft? Do you know anything about the Army or the AF for that matter? I'm guessing you haven't deployed with an Army unit or an AF unit for that matter. Let me give you a quick summary of how this soldier's deployment went. Soldier deploys - Soldier is put on the brigade PSD team - PSD team along with Cav Unit conduct QRF BSZ patrols - AF SF sit in towers get shot at and fail to return fire and ask us to go look for the enemy. Do you still want stand by your statement saying the Army doesn't need AAS when my team was waiting for our colonel's permission to go drop into a hot zone to back up some of our boys who got into a tic that turned out to be a hornets nest of the enemy? I think the AF should be allowed to participate in AAS but you've got a screw loose if you think the Army doesn't need it more.
U.S. ARMY, Afghanistanstateside
2/11/2011 7:20:26 PM ET I would argue that Air Assault school is as beneficial to these Airmen as to the Soldiers attending if not more so. Unlike their Army counterparts Security Forces may actually employ helicopter rappelling operationally at some point if an EST or helicopter-borne QRF required a precision insertion helicopter rappelling may be an appropriate method. On the other hand when do you think an Army Infantry squad or platoon is going to rappel into an assault zone or onto a target Never. It is impractical as a tactical employment method and made all but obsolete by the fastrope - which conventional Army soldiers aren't allowed to perform and Air Assault School doesn't teach - for anything other than precision vertical insertion of small teams such as SOF CSAR and LRSUs. As for slingloading those techniques aren't really relevant for AF Security Forces personnel but that matters little as a good chunk of the folks performing slingloads aren't Air Assault graduates anyway. They're ...
AF turned Army NCO, Eglin AFB
2/10/2011 5:15:59 PM ET I agree with some of the comments provided on this issue. Some Security Forces units have the opportunity to utilize certain skills that they have obtained while attending Army schools. Like in one of my former assignments with my friend James and my former S-3 Operations Superintendent Chief Henson we hardly ever deployed without the Army right by our side. I believe that cross training with our sister services is crucial in todays joint battlefield. I still would like to see more training slots to other Army schools that can help strengthen our CONUS mission i.e. SRT HNT Anti-Terrorism courses or Active Shooter course since that seems to be on the rise back here in the states.
TSgt A, Colorado
2/9/2011 7:54:40 PM ET So, 2LtUSAF CONUS you openly fail to follow a direct order in AFI 36-2903: Dress and Appearance. Now, that is blatant disregard to good order and discipline. As an officer in the USAF if you feel that you are more Army-ish then you should have joined the Army. You will however not blatantly disregard an instruction and wear your badge proudly. Arrogance has no place in the USAF to do as you please. Wow, where are your NCOs and SNCOs to re-blue you?
Fair and Consistent SNCO, Worldwide
2/9/2011 2:47:07 PM ET Irregardless of Rank Position or Service any Training that is offered to a military person that individual should approach attending those courses with the highest state of physical conditioning attitude and state of mind. There is several organizations called Joint Command or Combined Command USSOCOM. I can't even think or believe that a Leader in any branch would say No to letting one of their soldiers sailors airmen or Marines attending a Training Course whether it was offered by their service or a brother service.
Bill, Pentagon VA.
2/9/2011 9:22:36 AM ET Chief Henson you identified your location as Hulburt Field - one of several places in Florida were AF special operations calls home. I can see why you believe this kind of training is vital but I disagree with your broadstroke approach. Many AF leaders take the broadstroke approach to training thinking everyone needs it but not all airman need this kind of training. Can you name more than one security forces squadron that has it's own helicopters? I can tell you I've never seen a car pulled over by a police helicopter. Being a soldier is a way of life not something you learn for 2 weeks 10 days or even 30 days. Infantry is a hard life. I know because I have a brother in Marine infantry -SSgt with three tours- and another brother in the Army -paratrooper sgt with two tours- and they both have told me this.
Concerned Airman, Hill AFB
2/9/2011 8:52:01 AM ET I know people who have attended air assault and Army airborne school and not once have I seen those skills needed in the career field. I do however agree that more joint training with the Army should be done. I've worked more for the Army and Marines than I have Air Force when deployed. SRT school would be better. I haven't had to jump out of airplanes or repel from helicopters but I have had to clear houses in Iraq.
Dudeman, FL
2/9/2011 8:22:36 AM ET Personally I don't agree with the comment the 2Lt above made about wearing the badge although it not being authorized. I've been in the AF for over 12 years and have deployed many times with Combat Communications as well as with an A10 Unit. I believe in Military bearing and I also believe in Integrity one of our core values.As for Security Forces I don't really see a real need for them to attend Air Assault School. I've got many friends that are Security Forces and not ONE of them has done anything from a helicopter or ever had to rig a sling load. What is the purpose for this? Why not send TACPs or CCTPJs to this type of course since they are the true Battlefield Airmen? Not to ever discredit Security Forces from their job since they always do a great job IMO and everyone has their role in this military but they are the Air Base Defenders not in a Brigade Combat Team or in a Fire Support Operation.
TSgt, East Coast
2/8/2011 5:35:30 PM ET To be fair most soldiers who attend the Air Assault school will never use those skills either. It's similar to the Airborne or Ranger schools -- it expands your skillset even if you'll never end up doing combat jumps or serving in a Ranger regiment.
John, San Antonio
2/8/2011 5:17:49 PM ET The AF isn't taking any slots from the Army. The course is more than likely a MTT coming to Hawaii. It would be a waste of money to let these slots go to waste. Since the SF unit is stationed there there should be minimal costs associated with the training. I seem to remember that my old unit did some missions like that down in Africa in 2002. I know Chief Henson knows what I'm talking about.
TSgt James Woodford, JBB Iraq
2/8/2011 5:04:51 PM ET Maybe this will help clarify the need to send Airmen to this Army course. The Air Assault course is a leadership course and a great tool for Officers and Airmen alike. The Air Force does not offer many of these types of courses which teaches you to push yourself and learn the art of coordinating the actions of other personnel aka Leadership. It would be more productive for the whole if the AF would push more funding towards these types of schools and allow us to attend or utilizing their examples within existing schools. Wearing the function badge brings with it a sense of pride well deserved but is not a show stopper those who have attended the course would know.
SMSgt Leonard Jordan, Eglin AFB Fl
2/8/2011 4:31:52 PM ET I agree with Chief Henson. This training is very beneficial to the development of our SFS members. More Airmen should look for opportunities to attend joint training with our sister services.
TSgt, Oklahoma
2/8/2011 4:02:16 PM ET So the Air Force is sending 16 Airmen to Air Assault school and they arent in a job that will require them to perform this mission. The Air Force is taking 16 slots from Army personnel who will be doing this mission. Why is the Air Force doing this in time of war and reduced budgets They are doing it so 16 Airmen can display a badge they cant wear. You wonder why Congress and the general public question the militarys use of tax funds Why not spend the money on training the Airmen will use even if they dont get to display a badge
Taxpayer, Oklahoma
2/8/2011 3:33:20 PM ET AF officials threw out a bone a year or so ago. US Army Air Assault badge is authorized on the BDU knowing full well the BDUs are being phased out. However sister service badgespatches are still NOT authorized on ABU.
Air Assault grad , 5-sided paradise
2/8/2011 3:19:37 PM ET The last uniform board approved Air Force personnel to wear the air assault wings regardless of the unit you are assigned. And sending Security Forces personnel to this type of training is absolutely necessary because they have done this type of combat insertion in the past. The ability to train with the Army and understand their current methods of operations are vital to success on the battlefield.
CMSgt Ret Bob Henson, Hurlburt Field FL
2/8/2011 2:57:23 PM ET I went to Air Assault last year got my badge and wear it on my ABU's sure it may be against regulation but heck I earned it with my blood and sweat. We're a joint service now right Let's encourage these airmen embrace our new warrior ethos by attending Air Assault. The USAF is too soft at times in my opinion sure this is due to the more corporate structure of our force but IMO things like this along with the new PT test easyness need to be a regularly encouraged by commanders. Sure this particular skill set isn't entirely useful to me in my career field but having a much better appreciation for what the Army does and is capable of does.
2Lt USAF , CONUS
2/8/2011 2:11:32 PM ET I agree with the previous comment.Under current regulations Airmen who earn the Air Assault badge are not even allowed to wear it unless they're serving with a unit that utilizes that particular skillset.I can appreciate the motivation of these Airmen and their desire to accept a challenge and learn new skills. But the Air Force needs to reward them for their efforts and allow them to wear the badge.
Capt USAF, Deployed
2/8/2011 12:55:28 PM ET I know that this is one of the US Army's hardest courses but I don't understand the need to send these individuals. Unless they have helicopters at their unit this training is pretty much useless. According to Air Force Uniform policies you cannot wear the Air Assault badge any ways. I'm all about training but learning how to tie your own harness and repel just seems useless like I said thay have the capability of doing this real world which is highly unlikely. Bottom line save the TDY funds for more useful training like SRT or active shooter courses.
