Airmen get flipped in egress training, feel the HEAT

Airmen practice exiting a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle after a simulated rollover during egress training May 13, 2013, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Strobe lights, loud speakers and fog simulators were used in addition to the MRAP egress trainer to simulate combat conditions. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Stagner/Released)

Airmen get flipped in egress training, feel the HEAT

Published May 23, 2013
By Sgt. Cody Stagner
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Normally, one does not typically expect to see Airmen being flipped upside down in Humvees wearing full battle rattle.

More than 30 airmen conducted egress training May 13, 2013, here in preparation for deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.

"This training is teaching us how to escape a rolled-over vehicle safely," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Shandon L. James. "This is important because it increases everyone's life expectancy over there."

James, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering adviser from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., said he values the importance of this training that may save his life while traveling to and from different forward operating bases in Afghanistan during next few months as he advises local nationals on building projects in the region.

Service members from all branches are trained here to the highest standards in safety prior to deployment in support of contingency operations.

The dual vehicle egress trainer combines Humvee and mine resistant ambush protected vehicle egress exercises as a proactive preventive approach to saving lives. The Humvee and MRAP machines rotate 360 degrees to give occupants the realistic feeling of being flipped in an armored vehicle. It includes battlefield sounds, lights, fog and scenarios to prepare service members for combat action.

"After we egress, we practice other valuable skills, such as setting up a perimeter and rallying to a safe location before evacuation," said James.

Army Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Parsons, an instructor for the dual vehicle egress, said from 2003 to 2005, 405 people were involved in rollovers overseas. Out of that 405, 150 persons died from wounds suffered when their vehicles rolled over.

"Practicing good safety measures saves lives," he said.

Parsons also said individuals trained in dual vehicle egress have 250 percent chance of survival compared to those not trained.

"Practicing good safety measures saves lives," he said, adding that drivers and passengers not wearing their seat belt are six times more likely to die than those wearing seat belts.

The training is just another tool the Department of Defense uses to prepare service members for their tours.

"We train them just in case," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Keith C. Hands, from 2nd Battalion, 309th Regiment. "This is a good training to have and good training we hope not to ever have to use."