Bivouac lets members train as they fight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., --  Pack your duffle bags and put on your battle rattle. No, it is not a deployment but they train as they fight. 

The 434th Civil Engineer Squadron recently finished a bivouac designed to satisfy mandatory training and upgrade training in simulated real world conditions. 

Throughout the mission Airmen received training in areas such as convoy operations, generator operations, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, night operations, temper tent setup, and bare base concepts. 

"We are trying to give Airmen hands-on experience and the training needed in a real world environment," said Master Sgt. Kevin Johnson, 434th CES. 

"The training allows Airmen to make mistakes and learn from their mistakes in a training environment so that those mistakes won't occur during real missions," he added. 

"If they get it wrong then we do it over again," said Senior Master Sgt. Chuck Gill, 434th CES operations superintendent. "That is one of the most important parts of these kinds of training." 

The second phase of the training began with transporting all of the supplies necessary for the operation to the bivouac site, just as done in an actual deployment. 

"Everything is done the same way as if we were deploying," said Sergeant Gill. "From start to finish we transport all of our equipment to the site and then tear it down and transport it back when we are finished," he added. 

During the training, the 434th Services Flight provided meals for the squadron and all other participants in the event. Early Sunday morning, with frost still on the ground, members or their team began cooking breakfast for the group. 

The Marine Corps also provided a role in the training by instructing Airmen how to react under fire while in a convoy. Airmen received crucial training regarding the responses necessary to survive an ambush. 

During the training the Marines used their vehicles to simulate the proper methods of mounting and dismounting vehicles in a combat environment. 

"Their experience in combat situations overseas provided us with excellent training since they have been there and done it," said Sergeant Johnson. "The combined support of services, the fire department, and the Marine Corps has greatly enhanced our ability to complete the training successfully," he added. 

In addition to training the bivouac provided opportunities for team building and camaraderie amongst the Airmen. 

"The training gave everyone the opportunity to get together and learn as a team," said Sergeant Johnson, with a smile on his face. "It also gave higher ranking individuals the opportunity to learn about their subordinates while passing on their knowledge."