New CBRNE training tests Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The way Lakenheath Airmen train for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives is going to change Dec. 1. 

"The biggest change is there will be no more classroom instruction," said Staff Sgt. Robert Cabrera, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, readiness and emergency management NCO in-charge of training. 

Sergeant Cabrera is responsible for making the changes to the CBRNE training. 

The new training consists of a computer-based training, which takes about three hours, and a hands-on practical application of the information in the CBT. The hands-on training must be completed within 60 days of taking the CBT. 

"What people need to understand is the hands-on portion is a pass/fail situation," Sergeant Cabrera said. "If you don't pass the practical portion, you have to retake all the training again." 

Airmen will be graded on their knowledge and proficiency of each area of the CBT during the hands-on training, which will be held at RAF Feltwell. 

"The new training will increase commander-troop involvement because everyone has to do the same training," Sergeant Cabrera said. 

Master Sgt. Paul Baranoski, 48th CES, superintendent of readiness, said he thinks the training will be helpful to people who are deploying. 

"The training is more realistic and throws things at Airmen that they could possibly face during a deployment," he said. 

The training is designed to test Airmen's skill level and their application of what they've learned on the CBT. 

"The most important thing to remember is to really focus on the CBT," Sergeant Cabrera said, "...take the time to read through it and really understand what it's talking about. Understanding of the information in the CBT will help the hands-on portion to be successful." 

Airmen must take the training every 20 months in order to stay current.