Photo By Tech. Sgt. Mercedee Wilds | Radar, airfield and weather systems specialists with the 266th Range Squadron, a...... read more read more
Subscribe
Radar, airfield and weather systems specialists with the 266th Range Squadron, a geographically separated unit of the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, completed tower climbing training on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 10, 2024.
Tower climbing is a vital component in maintaining communication systems at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, Mountain Home AFB, and other military operating areas in Southern Idaho.
Senior Airman Leneca Shockley, a RAWS specialist, shared her experience undergoing the training, emphasizing its hands-on nature. "It's very educational when it comes to figuring out the new mechanics of setting up radios and radar systems on towers."
The towers, ranging from 50 to 100 feet, play a crucial role in transmitting data back to base communication hubs.
"It's not simple to just climb up the tower; it takes a lot of safety measures and mechanical knowledge," Shockley said.
The training blends technical knowledge with physical skill. Participants learn proper climbing techniques, equipment management, and self-rescue procedures to handle emergencies.
"It's about knowing where everything is and ensuring safety equipment is in place while staying connected to all surfaces," Shockley explained.
Despite the physical demands, Shockley found comfort in the structured safety protocols, like positioning plans that reduce reliance on physical strength alone.
"The climb training program is essential for our operations. Without it, the mission at Mountain Home AFB couldn’t happen," said Master Sgt. Clinton Colson, NCOIC and shop supervisor for range communications.
Colson elaborated on the program's broader impact, the towers support ground-to-air radios for jets, network links for threat emitters, emergency and communication systems. The training is meticulous, combining classroom instruction with hands-on tower rescue scenarios.
"Classroom training covers regulations and equipment requirements, while the tower portion focuses on timed rescue exercises," said Colson. “The goal is to ensure personnel are equipped to respond to emergencies, though thankfully, incidents have been rare.”
The communication systems the RANS maintain extend beyond the base to various military training ranges in Southern Idaho, where the RANS provides realistic electronic threats to both U.S. forces and NATO partners.
"We support contractors, special forces, and external entities, ensuring reliable communication networks for all operations on the range," Colson added.
The IDANG remains a hub of innovation, where military personnel, rather than contractors, maintain and install communication infrastructure, said Colson.
Looking ahead, the program aims to maintain high standards. Colson, currently the sole trainer in the squadron, ensures consistency in instruction and certification. The training curriculum follows guidelines set by Gravitec Systems, which also supplies training across the Air Force, ensuring a standardized approach.
Through their efforts, 266 RANS continues to exemplify the importance of safety, skill, and innovation in maintaining mission readiness. As Colson puts it, "It all starts with the tower climbing."
| Date Taken: | 12.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2024 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 487596 |
| Location: | BOISE, IDAHO, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Tower Climbing Training at the RANS, by TSgt Mercedee Wilds, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
