MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania — What began as a cold, rainy day in Romania was actually the beginning of a historic moment. On Nov. 20th, 2022, the first ever Air Assault course in Romania began.
From Nov. 20th to 30th, 2022, 72 Soldiers stationed at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base endured what some soldiers have called “the ten hardest days in the Army.”
Air Assault.
The Army's Air Assault Course is a ten-day program designed to both mentally and physically challenge soldiers while preparing them for real-world missions and operations. Soldiers who undergo and complete the Air Assault course exemplify the Army’s ambition to promote readiness, effectiveness, and lethality.
“I hope that students and instructors alike walk away knowing that we have been a part of a historical experience running an Air Assault course in a deployed environment,” said Capt. Lyndi Barrett, commander of the Sabalauski Air Assault School. “We are not only providing and supplying skills to those with the 101st, but skills that we can share with our partnered nations.”
Conducting an Air Assault School overseas did not come without challenges, according to Barrett. With a limited number of instructors, the Sabalauski Air Assault School had to adapt and overcome new obstacles. Agendas, scheduling, manpower and transportation were just a few things that have changed the overall execution of this Air Assault course.
On the 8th day of the course, the instructors and students traveled to the Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria. Instructors and soldiers drove 14 hours and traveled 600 miles by bus in one day to make sure they remained on schedule and completed the task at hand. Despite the challenges they faced, the group relentlessly pushed forward.
“Right now, we are running all of our resident courses at home as well as the MTTs (Mobile Training Teams) here in EUCOM (U.S. European Command). Our team is spread very thin right now, but our instructors have absolutely covered the challenge and are doing a phenomenal job.” said Barrett.
“AIR ASSAULT!” cut through freezing wind as the 72 Soldiers who earned their wings shouted with pride. On Nov. 30th, 2022, the graduates of the Air Assault course stood together in accomplishment. Successfully completing the Air Assault course not only benefits the Soldiers individually, but the Army as a whole, as a united fighting force.
“This course instills discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork throughout the 10 days. Soldiers graduate the course not only learning pertinent Air Assault skills to return to their units with, but with the Air Assault culture instilled as well.” said Barret. “Air Assault is essential for the capabilities it provides units in movement, resupply, and infiltration. Air Assault units are able to reach out further and faster when called upon.”
With the completion of the first Air Assault course conducted in Romania, the 101st Airborne Division demonstrates the Army's ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle to fight and win the nation's wars.
Date Taken: | 12.01.2022 |
Date Posted: | 12.17.2022 08:15 |
Story ID: | 435326 |
Location: | MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, RO |
Hometown: | MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, RO |
Hometown: | CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
Hometown: | FORT CAMPBELL, KENTUCKY, US |
Hometown: | FORT CAMPBELL, TENNESSEE, US |
Hometown: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
Hometown: | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
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