Combat skills necessary for all Airmen Published Aug. 5, 2009 By Erin Blauvelt Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- As Airmen deploy to fight in the Global War on Terrorism, they increasingly find themselves in positions which take them out of their typical jobs and place them on the front lines. In order to prepare Airmen for any situation that may arise in a war zone, the 87th Security Forces Squadron here provides all non-flying, deployable Airmen a program called Expeditionary Combat Skills Training. The ECST is a three-day course which teaches Airmen the "basic knowledge of how to deal with a hostile environment and protect themselves and team members," said Technical Sgt. Rod Dove, ECST Program Manager, 87SFS. Major James Coleman, executive officer, 87th SFS, describes the training as"grab-bag training for Airmen who don't necessarily have combat training." Senior Airman Thomas Sippel, the head instructor and alternate program manager, said the course teaches Airmen "basic combat skills," including "team movements, improvised explosive devices recognition, react to contact, aid and litter, and an obstacle course." Sergeant Dove, who has been the program manager since December, said the training is required for all Airmen every 20 months and before they deploy. The training is conducted every two weeks as needed, from February through December. The first day of training is in a classroom setting and students learn the basic fundamentals of individual and team movements, explained Sergeant Dove. The second day is conducted on the range at Fort Dix and introduces students to blank fire and practical portions of individual and fire team movements. The training culminates on the third day, Sergeant Dove continued, in a "practical exercise lumping everything the students learn into one scenario." The training, which is mandated by Air Mobility Command for all deploying Airmen, is run by Security Forces, but is supported by the 87th Air Base Wing, including the Communications Squadron and Operations Support Squadron, and the 621st Contingency Response Wing, explained Sergeant Dove. While the program is necessary for the skills, safety and confidence of today's Air Force, "the biggest challenge is finding instructor support for the program," noted Major Coleman. "We try to keep a 10-to-1 instructor to student ratio." With class sizes ranging anywhere from 15 to 75 people, that can be a hard ratio to keep, explains Sergeant Dove. "We're always looking for new instructors," Major Coleman said. Instructor positions are open and encouraged for Airmen in any career field, of any rank, with varying levels of training, preferably deployment experience, and with little to no time commitment. Sergeant Dove describes being an instructor as a rewarding and interesting experience, adding that on top of being a good experience, "[instructors] really help the wing, and everyone, because everyone is deploying." For more information about ECST or becoming an instructor, contact Sergeant Dove at (609)754-0055.