National Guard Bureau implements new training style

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Soulsby
  • 120th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
GREAT FALLS, Mont. --  More than 100 members of the Montana Air National Guard participated in self-aid, buddy care, explosive weapons training and chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear training held Feb. 7, in the unit's cold storage building and the headquarters training room.  The training packed 13 computer- based training modules into a bite size four and a half hour chunk.

This is a new way for the MTANG to complete training; in the past the members would complete these modules annually on a computer individually which could take over fifteen hours.  Those who participated in the rodeo will not need to accomplish this training again for three years. 
 
"The National Guard Bureau implemented this 'rodeo' style training to decrease time spent on CBTs and increase time spent in work areas on Air Force specialty code training," said Senior Master Sgt. Tiffany Franklin, 120th Airlift Wing force development superintendent.

SABC and CBRNE training modules were the main focus.  The trainees were separated in two different groups to be in a manageable size for the hands-on training.

SABC training presented video training along with hands on in smaller group training with an instructor whom administered a quiz for each section and demonstrated bandages, splints and chin lifts.

"Working as a group is better than as an individual," said Senior Airman Cody Hagestad, SABC instructor.  "[The training] is more hands on, which makes for a better learning environment."

During the CBRNE section of the training, instructors lead the trainees through slideshows which educated them on what to do in case of a chemical attack.  The instructors assisted in marking the joint service lightweight integrated suit technology, or chemical warfare gear, with M-9 chemical detecting paper and adding a name tag to individual's helmets.  Trainees donned their gear using the buddy system and instructors inspected for discrepancies.   While in chemical warfare gear, members moved through five different stations inspecting, removing and protecting items from simulated chemical attacks.

Great feedback was given to the trainers and coordinators of the event, where improvements have already been made for the June unit training assembly.
 
"It's nice to have it done for a while and it's better than CBTs," said Senior Airman Daniel Henry, 120th Airlift Wing cyber transport technician.