Search News

Cannon News

Airmen hone combat skills

  • Published
  • By Airman Elliott Sprehe
  • 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Building defensive fighting positions, learning hand-to-hand combat skills and completing the mission in a hostile-fire zone are but a few of the combat skills Cannon Airmen learn when preparing for deployment, courtesy of the 27th Security Forces Squadron Expeditionary Combat Skills training. 

The training prepares Airmen, physically and mentally, to fulfill the Aerospace Expeditionary Force 7/8 rotation, which starts in May. 

The two-day training consists of classroom-style learning on a Thursday that includes computer-based training (CBT) as well as some hands-on training. On Friday, Airmen march to Camp Ready, the base cantonment area, for field training that uses the skills learned the previous day. 

Airmen tasked to to a location that falls under a Central Air Forces area of responsibility must complete ECS training according to Air Force regulations, said Kent Brund, ECS coordinator for the 27th SFS. The training must be done within 90 days of an Airman's scheduled deployment and consists of 19 hours classroom and field training. 

After the first day of training, the Airmen were able to get hands-on, which was "totally different than the first day," said Tech. Sgt. Tina Bryant, 27th Operations Support Squadron. "We were in the sand, dirt and gravel." 

On the second day we applied we learned the first day while wearing a whole bunch of gear, said Sergeant Bryant.

There was enough time provided for the training session, said Tech. Sgt. Joe Sienkowski, 27th Communications Squadron, who said,"I have nothing but good things to say about the class. It was one of the better classes I've attended in the Air Force." 

"I applaud everyone who has gone through the class," said Mr. Brund. "We've trained all ranks from airman basic to lieutenant colonel and not one of them ever complained." They get out there, they hustle and they give it all they've got, said Mr. Brund. 

There is one class still scheduled and when it's over, approximately 300 Airmen from Cannon will have completed the course in preparation of their deployment. 

Any Airman  deploying to the CENTAF AOR who has not attended this training should contact their UDM as soon as possible.

Press Releases