Feature Search

Fight to survive: Exercise examines operational, life-saving skills

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Angelique Smythe
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The 36th Contingeny Response Group participated in a three-day exercise, which began Monday and ended Wednesday. 

The training tests and reinforces CRG members' reaction when defending an air base. 

On day one they reviewed improvised explosive devices, tactical vehicle deployment, individual movements reacting to fire, reacting to indirect or mortar fire, and self-aid and buddy care. 

On day two CRG Airmen practiced confrontation management and setting up Alaskan shelters. 

And on day three they exercised night operations. 

There are six contingency response groups in the Air Force. With 26 different Air Force Specialty Codes within the group, such as communications, an explosive ordnance disposal team, medics, security forces members, and civil engineer Airmen, they are a self-sustaining team. 

"They can be called to act on combat operations, NEO operations, or humanitarian operations at a moment's notice," said Master Sgt. Keith Long, 736th Security Forces Squadron NCOIC of training and resources. "We can go in and conduct an airfield assessment, bare field operations or set up airfields across the Pacific region for follow on forces, a joint force or aircraft. Our mission is to set up those regions, make sure it's secured and make sure the air base is operational and suitable to land those aircraft." 

If the 36th CRG is not deployed, they are training. Major exercises like this are conducted at least once a quarter. 

"The training is fun," said Airman 1st Class Paul Oates, 736th SFS. "It's a lot of hard work, but we learn a lot of cool stuff like new ways to react to contact and how to communicate with one another."