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AETC's senior enlisted leader examines predeployment training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Air Education and Training Command's command chief master sergeant visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst June 14 through 17 to gain first-hand knowledge of the Air Force predeployment training conducted here.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana visited the 602nd Training Group (Provisional), Detachment 6, to speak with training experts, while participating in predeployment training.

"Detachment 6, which is the busiest power projection platform in the Air Force, provides the administrative oversight for more than 2,000 Airmen training to become Joint Expeditionary Tasking Airmen," said Lt. Col. Jason Bush, 602nd TRG, Det.6 commander.

The chief said the focus of the visit was to examine JET and expeditionary skills training.

"I had the opportunity to witness training at the aircraft maintenance production simulator, combat first aid and HMMWV egress assistance trainer," said Tappana. "These tools, along with many others here, are preparing servicemembers with what they need to successfully accomplish the mission downrange."

The Jet Airmen endure 31 days of Combat Skills Training at Dix to learn battlefield tactics, techniques and procedures which will prepare them for missions outside the wire and in harm's way.

"The JET Airmen in training focus on becoming mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually prepared for unique tasks, which may require them to perform duties not normally associated with their Air Force Specialty Code," said Bush.

The four-tiered training system, along with the PPP, contributes to the readiness capabilities of deploying Airmen by expanding and developing expeditionary skills. The system is a structured approach to integrating deployment principles in military education, from basic training to career-specific development courses.

New ways are constantly developed to improve the quality of training into this system.

"We, in the 2nd Air Force, are getting constant feedback about how effective the skills taught here are when downrange," said Tappana. "We constantly survey people going through this training."

The process of survey and feedback helps adjust training to fit the needs of the ever-changing area of responsibility.

"Our goal is to ensure each class is better than the last class, and the next class is better than the current class, as we are constantly changing and updating the curriculum," said Tappana.

Tappana said two significant details about the training stood out to him.

"The quality of the instructors and the energy they bring to their job plays a large part in the success of the mission," he said. "The people going through the training have such great attitudes and a drive to learn the fine details of the material being taught."

Tappana said he was proud of the work being conducted here and feels JB MDL is an excellent location to conduct such an important mission.

"This is the third time I've been up here and it truly is a great-looking base," he said. "It is interesting to see the installation change into a joint environment as we are now doing the same in San Antonio. These changes help enhance the servicemember's perspective when facing a joint deployed environment, which is becoming more common."