28th CES performs speed training exercise

by Airman Sadie Colbert
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

10/7/2015 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D.  -- Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a speed training exercise in preparation for future deployments Oct. 1.

The exercise is conducted to determine how quickly and effectively Airmen can perform mission-related tasks while under time constraints.

The goal is to improve mission execution time as well as hone operation precision and performance standards, all while reviewing basic safety procedures.

"Any exercise we do is important," said Senior Airman Justin Girbach, 28th CES pavements and construction heavy equipment operator and exercise crater-chief. "It shows what we are capable of, what we are strong in and what we need to work on."

The quarterly exercises help prepare the squadron to work as a unified group, as each person serves a distinct purpose.

"It's not just my experience," Girbach said. "It's everyone who is involved - as long as we all blend together and do what we're supposed to be doing, everything will work out just fine."

This specific exercise focused on a variety of obstacles personnel are expected to know how to handle, to include airfield damage repair, conventional attacks and mission-oriented protective posture training. These scenarios prepare Airmen for operations in a deployed location.

"It's a great experience for Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Paul Terlop, 28th CES pavements and construction heavy equipment operator. "It prepares them for down range. You never know what's going to happen. So anything you can do to prepare is [beneficial]."