News>Operation KIDS: Military youths get a glimpse of deployment
Photos
Georgia Shirley, 5, leads her squad to the welcome home celebration at the event center for the Operation KIDS 2010 participants Nov. 13, 2010at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. More than 60 military youths participated in this year's event to get a glimpse of what their military parents go through when deploying. (U.S. Air Force photo/Connie Hempel)
Youths participating in Operation KIDS 2010 put their skills to the test as they were ambushed just outside Camp Discovery Nov. 13, 2010, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. More than 60 military youths participated in this year's event to get a glimpse of what their military parents go through when deploying. (U.S. Air Force photo/Connie Hempel)
Before entering the deployed air base, youths with Operation KIDS learn how to salute when encountering an officer Nov. 13, 2010, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. At the "deployed air base" the youths completed a Marine Corps obstacle course, went through a confined space tunnel and were instructed on proper use of various fire rescue vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Connie Hempel)
by Master Sgt. Brandon O'Neil
Goodfellow Airman and Family Readiness Center
11/16/2010 - GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- More than 60 military children experienced first-hand what it's like for their parents to deploy thanks to a group of more than 100 joint service volunteers during Goodfellow Operation KIDS 2010 Nov. 13 here.
Operation KIDS gave youths ages 5 through 18 the opportunity to play the role of their military parents for the day. The participants, most accompanied by a parent, started the day with a telephone recall instructing them to report to the primary deployment location, the event center, at their respected chalk times.
The new recruits then presented their deployment orders and were issued identification cards, dog tags, a mobility bag (backpack) and a uniform (T-shirt). They also processed through a mobility line where they spoke with base representatives from the chapel, finance, legal, Airman and family readiness center and medical group. They were issued money from finance and immunization tablets (candy), much like the mobility line their parents go through.
The troops were then given a specific intelligence mission brief covering flight plans and enemy threats before proceeding to a deployed air base. At the deployed location, each troop conquered a Marine Corps obstacle course, confined space tunnel and were instructed on proper use of various fire rescue vehicles. Members of the 17th Security Forces Squadron also presented a military working dogs demonstration to show how the K-9s apprehend and subdue enemy intruders. Before leaving the deployed air base, the troops got a glimpse of the "top secret" Norma Brown Trainer; specific mission details remain "G-14 classified".
After counterinsurgency training, the troops departed for forward operating base Camp Discovery. After arriving at Camp Discovery, they were welcomed and briefed by the deployed commander and first sergeant. Each troop was also given specific rules of engagement and preceded to the next stage of their training.
The troops received hands-on weapons training from the 17th SFS members, special techniques by Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agents, moulage treatment from medical and hand-to-hand fighting techniques from Soldiers. All of this training came together as the troops embarked on a humanitarian mission to a local village when the squads came under fire by hostile enemies armed with high-pressure chemical and biological assault weapons (Silly String). Thankfully, the squads were able to squash the ambush and arrive safely back to Camp Discovery.
Upon arrival back to Goodfellow Air Force Base, the veterans were greeted by a crowd of cheers, waving flags and a welcome home party. After a traditional American lunch, all deployed members received a certificate of deployment, American flag and a military brat coin for heroism in the face of adversity.
Comments
11/18/2010 12:48:26 PM ET DT Why are we wanting to scare our children again? While I am gone for 6 months, I believe it would be easier for my kids to think that I am not in any danger or for them to be scared. I would rather them draw on the memories they would have had from this experience and take comfort. I for one do not believe that the children should suffer any more then they have to. This is a wonderful experience and I hope to see more of these pop up in different locations.
Beave, Cheyenne
11/18/2010 11:19:36 AM ET DT Don't underestimate the power of a child's mind. They can see clearer and more objectively than most adults can. Besides, while there is a fun element spun into this event, the overall objective is educating these kids what the military does. It's not about painting a rosy picture of what we do. It's about teaching our kids courage and motivation and strengthening family bonds between parent and child. If you are a parent yourself, you should understand.
Steve, Tampa
11/18/2010 12:44:01 AM ET Are you kidding? This article stated they had children aged 5 to 18 -- seems like too large an age spread to make it realistic for all of them at the same event. More than likely the younger kids merely thought this was GREAT FUN. At the very least this is totally unrealistic from the aspect of troops being removed from their families or the rest of normal society for many months, not to mention facing no real danger during their one day's excursion. I think the older kids should get a dose of scare because that's more realistic than a one-day carnival-environment field-trip. Also, don't believe the younger kids should even be there to let them think deploying may possibly be just a fun event for their parent as well as it probably was for them -- they're much too young to comprehend an adult's reality. It's difficult for me to believe there's anything constructive that comes out of something like this
DT, Colorado
11/17/2010 9:37:17 AM ET This is an amazing idea. Me and my wife are expecting a girl in February and I know that when I deploy the challenges will be difficult for my wife and daughter to bear. This is indeed a great way to show our children that what we do overseas is important - important enough to warrant being away from them so long.
