Security Forces Training at Camp Rilea

Photo By John Hughel | Airmen of the 142nd Security Forces Squadron, 142nd Fighter Wing, work in a simulated training enviroment at Camp Rilea, Ore. as part of their ground combat skills training on Oct. 22.  

CAMP RILEA, UNITED STATES

11.20.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. John Hughel 

142nd Wing

CAMP RILEA, Ore. - Under a cloud of green smoke and exploding ordnance, four Oregon Air National Guardsmen run from building to building at Camp Rilea's training village during one of many simulated scenarios as part of ground combat skills training for the 142nd Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron.

As they rally inside one building, Tech. Sgt Mick Gremaud, the squad leader for the team, does a quick head count to make sure all his troops are accounted for. As the troops peer through their positions to respond to the simulated attack, small-arms fire (paintballs) hit the door and window frames.

The Airmen are put through several situations in a mock village, sometimes under fire and often with specific objectives for each aspect of the training. "We try and tailor the training to meet the situation," said Gremaud. "The intensity during each phase of the training is constant and the success of each exercise comes when good communication is maintained."

Many of the Airmen leading this training have recently returned from tours in Iraq. These more experienced leaders are here to teach younger Airmen what they need to know in real world situations. "My squad has 14 members and we need to train this way to take it to the next level," said Gremaud.

During the week-long drills, key objectives are gone over again and again to ensure that everyone understands their roles. Watching the training from the roadside and coaching the teams is Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Roper of the 142nd Security Forces Squadron. "The emphasis we want them to get is military operations in urban environments, mounted convey and combat skills training," he said.

Roper is quick to point out how pleased he has been with this training. A group of 35 to 50 Airmen undergo this type of smaller team instruction every 16 months. The intensity of the training is constant, regardless of the group's size. However, "there are advantages in working with smaller numbers at times, as the individual one-on-one feedback is more immediate," Roper said

For squad leaders like Gremaud who have just completed a six-month tour in Iraq, the learning never stops. "It is always eye-opening," he smiles, leaning out of a vehicle door to watch his squad reassemble to the convoy site after another successful exercise.

"We've got a really good group of young Airmen here and we want them to get the experience from our vets who just came back from Iraq," said Roper.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2009
• Date Posted: 11.20.2009 21:19
• Story ID: 41845
• Location: CAMP RILEA, US