SERE instructor starts new course at Andersen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher E. Quail
  • 36th Wing PA
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  

Airmen attended a new one-day survival, evasion, resistance and escape course July 27, 2017, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The course, held by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Hyslop, Air Force Global Strike Command Det. 4 SERE specialist, provided jungle-specific survival techniques to service members at risk of being isolated in jungle environments. Hyslop not only teaches military members how to survive, but ensures they are prepared to prevail.

“Here at Andersen, Sgt. Hyslop has created a unique opportunity for service members to learn jungle survival,” said Lt. Col. Dannie Coddington, AFGSC Det. 4 commander. “This allows service members to go beyond just PowerPoint presentations of what to expect and actually allows them to go out in the field and experience it hands-on.”

The training started with several Airmen acting as if they were just shot down and were now isolated in a jungle environment. The students were then asked what actions they should take first.

“I want to test what kind of mindset the Airmen would have when they are faced with the situation of being isolated,” Hyslop said. “I want to hear what they believe is important to do first and then explain why or why not that is a good route to take.”

Later in the training, the students practiced their skills such as crafting shelters using natural materials, signaling without a radio, water procurement from the environment, identifying edible plants and animals and animal breakdown and cooking techniques.

“This training gives them the opportunity to feel and react to the physical and mental stressors involved in learning how to fend for themselves in an isolating incident,” Hyslop said.

Hyslop started this program to provide a much needed tool to the U.S. Pacific Command. He plans on offering the course once a month to all service members at Andersen.

“This type of training prepares them for one of the worst scenarios they could ever experience,” Hyslop said. “It develops confidence in their ability to survive.”