Warriors of the North Attend Silver Flag to Become Golden

by Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

5/13/2014 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen from Grand Forks AFB, N.D., recently participated in a Silver Flag exercise on Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

Tech. Sgt. Byron Ball, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman was one of the Airmen from Grand Forks who volunteered to attend Silver Flag, not only to sharpen his skills but also to help others who may need that little push.

"I try to be the person to display numerous ways to have a positive attitude when a certain situation is not too enjoyable," said Ball.

The civil engineers were put to work the second they stepped onto the play area, handing out MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and assisting with the setup process.

Ball worked various jobs during his time in Florida such as land navigation, low and high angle rescues, HAZMAT response and more.

"We were taught how to act and respond to a number of situations, because that is what civil engineers do," said Ball.

Everything from explaining different ways to handle fire response, to base emergencies such as active shooters were discussed in classrooms. Civil engineers were trained in their career field's capability to handle certain situations in various ways. This gave the attendees as a whole a general understanding of the different parts CE will take in response to any emergency situation.

It's required that firefighters attend Silver Flag at least once every three years. This requirement is to assure they are keeping their skills sharp and gain new ones.

"It's not simply to learn skills, someone who attends this event may already know what they are doing in many areas of his job but this gives them the opportunity to hone those skills," said Ball.

Each day started early and ended late, but Ball kept his head up and helped motivate other Airmen to keep their spirits high. Geared up and ready for battle, the conditions were harsh and realistic, giving the atmosphere more validity in the eyes of the trainees.

"At one point we were required to do the majority of the work involved in a low-angle rescue; it was very difficult, but we succeeded in the end," said Ball.

Participants see Silver Flag as a privilege unlike any other in the United States Air Force.

"Silver Flag presents CE with a great learning environment and prepares us for real-world events," said Ball. "In the end, the things we practiced there could ultimately save someone's life in the future, and that makes all the training worthwhile."