Prime Beef Airmen from the 181st Indiana ANG deploy to Patrick Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. John S. Chapman, 181st Intelligence Wing/Public Affairs

Airmen from the 181st Civil Engineering Squadron, Air National Guard deployed to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, to provide contingency related hands-on training July 11-22, 2016.

181st CES in conjunction with their 45th CES counterparts collaborated during a “Deployment for Training program.” The DFT provided contingency related training for Airmen to hone their civil engineering skills that are unable to be accomplished at home station.

“The DFT program gives Airmen upgrade level training that cannot be accomplished at home station; rejuvenate wing and squadron retention efforts by exposing Airmen to remote and active duty environments; and strengthen relationships between active duty and guard reserves with a ‘synergy development’ strategy that will help us work more effectively in deployed environments,” said Major Robert Jobe, assistant base civil engineer/deputy commander, 181st CES.

During the DFT, 10 members of the 181st CES accomplished their small arms training and qualification requirements that were provided by the 181st Security Forces Squadron, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance.

CES members also attended “Social Intelligence,” a professional development workshop provided by Maj. Jobe and hosted by 45th CES Commander Lt. Col. Jason Glynn.

With temperatures in the 90s each day, 13 Prime Beef specialists from the 181st CES installed over 1,200 feet of fencing, removed outdated signal traffic lights, hung and mudded drywall sheets, finished the antenna platform, installed fire alarms and smoke detectors, replaced dock fenders at the outdoor marina, installed barricade posts and tightened barbed wire on the beach property, and used GPS equipment to survey roads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

“This temporary duty DFT allowed the 181st CES Airmen to function in a different environment working alongside active duty and federal civilian workforce within the civil engineer community. This is truly a win-win situation for our Airmen,” said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Tincher, section chief, 181st CES.

Training with other units will prepare today’s Airmen for a future Air Expeditionary Task Force. While traditionally AETF is combat centric, forces are tailored to specific capabilities. It would not be beyond the scope to deploy a civil engineer squadron or integrated units to support such missions in an AETF design.

Lt. Col. Jason Glynn, commander, 45th CES was very impressed to witness the total Air Force commitment during the two weeks of training. Speaking on behalf of the 45th CES, “we really appreciate the opportunity to serve for a brief time with the 181st Civil Engineer Squadron.”

“It’s part of our total force deployment package it doesn’t make a difference when you go down range whether you are Guard, Reserves or Active Duty, we all wear a uniform that says United States Air Force,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lamar D. Heard, squadron superintendent, 45th CES. The most effective pre-deployment training is hosting other units, “it pays dividends when you go down range.”

“I’m proud of our unit for taking advantage of the resources of skills and knowledge here at Patrick AFB, Florida. The timing could not have been more perfect for us to show up and fall in to support them with manpower. We have had the opportunity to develop professionally while here and I've been proud of our showing of ANG strength and resilience. You could not tell us apart from them in training, and that's what the expectation is in the fight. We are exceeding the expectations and that's what the 181 CES does,” said Maj. Jobe.

According to a recent memo by Chief, National Guard Bureau, Gen. Frank J. Grass, ANG civil engineers will be tasked to support enduring missions around the world for fiscal year 2016 and beyond. The 181st has taken a proactive step to align with the future mission objectives established by Gen. Grass.