36th Civil Engineer Squadron stays sharp for deployment Published May 7, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Carissa Wolff 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- From April 28 to May 2 Team Andersen's 36th Civil Engineer Squadron members participated in a field training exercise that is a 96 hour Civil Engineer training requirement. The 36 CES does this 96 hour FTX twice a year, when they are only required to do the FTX once, to ensure that all of their deployed members keep their skills sharp as well. "This is part of a larger Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Program, said 1st Lieutenant Raymond Kerr, 36 CES Readiness and Emergency Management Flight Commander. "This is an on-going required Civil Engineer training program that usually happens one day a month and in addition to the FTX. With Civil Engineers so busy at working day to day maintenance and repair of the base, the Prime BEEF program gives them a set aside time to work on war related skill sets which are currently in very high demand in the AOR." The FTX trained 36 CES members in many areas to include: base camp construction including tent erection, power distribution, environmental control unit, the shower shave tent, and expeditionary combat skills training. The ECST held classes in combat first aid, team and individual movements, personnel searches, and convoy operations. 36 CES members also had a chemical warfare refresher complete with being tear gassed in the chamber. The 36 CES FTX is vitally important in keeping 36 CES members' combat engineering skills sharp due to the fact engineers are heavily involved in the Global War on Terror and humanitarian operations, said Lieutenant Colonel Peter Ridilla, 36 CES commander. "We as 36 CES have to be prepared to provide the very best engineers in support of the Global War on Terror and be ready and able to provide contingency or humanitarian engineer capabilities at a moments notice," Lieutenant Colonel Ridilla. Approximately 100 personnel participated in the week long FTX including 80 engineers, 15 trainers from the 736 SFS, and 10 or so services personnel providing meals. "We received great support form 736th Security Forces Squadron and 36th Services Squadron," said 1st Lieutenant Kerr.