Tactical trucker teams train toughly

Airmen of the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron Vehicle Operations Flight have begun the first phase of a four-phase biannual contingency operational readiness training. This training ensures they are ready when called upon to serve as the nation’s elite ground transporters. Current military engagements demand extreme prowess from vehicle operators. CORT is where they hone skills that could one day potentially save the lives of passengers and fellow operators.

Three of the phases will prepare Airmen with the vehicle operations flight for fourth and final phase of CORT later this year at the U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder. As the third largest training area in Germany, the Airmen will simulate driving in a realistic, wartime tactical based convoy that tests their learned skills.

The 435th Security Forces Squadron plays a crucial role in assisting with this training by issuing Humvees, weapons and blank rounds of ammunition to the trainees. The defenders of the 435 SFS also run improvised explosive device simulators and act as enemy combatants, dramatically increasing the realism.

The convoy commander will brief the troops, and each truck operator will show what they have learned.

The scenarios become increasingly more complex as the day continues. Trainees experience a seemingly simple nonconfrontational interaction with enemy combatants, hastily placed IEDs and a full-on ambush. After each scenario, the exercise pauses and the group assesses their performance. The discussions are crucial so each Airman fully comprehends the options in an expeditionary environment.

“Each step is important because you practice before you play, then analyze afterwards,” explained Tech. Sgt. Alan Brown, Vehicle Operations Control Center supervisor. “Stopping after each scenario allows us to walk the Airmen through each one and really break it down.”

This depth of experience is essential for vehicle operators today. Deployed members of the 86 VRS use the skills they learned during CORT every day. This is a fact not lost on the younger Airmen.

“The training teaches you to react,” said Senior Airman Karen Pasay-An. “You have to learn to make quick decisions, which helps our Airmen out a lot.”

“The last scenario was pretty intense,” said Airman 1st Class Trent Snare, who participated in the last course. “When they started attacking, it felt real.”

Every day, the men and women of the 86 VRS vehicle operations flight focus on becoming and remaining elite vehicle operators. They know that the training they accomplish today directly prepares them for war. After all, they are the ones who make the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron the home of the combat trucker.