Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

Cargo vehicles set up a defensive formation during Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30, 2014. U.S. and U.K. armed forces spent three days undergoing various training exercises from convoy tactical formation and self-aid and buddy care, to explosive device and ordnance detection and avoidance drills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Nigel Sandridge/Released)

Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

A mock insurgent blocks the road, forcing the convoy to divert at Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30, 2014. U.S. and U.K. armed forces members spent three days undergoing various training exercises from convoy tactical formation and self-aid and buddy care, to explosive device and ordnance detection and avoidance drills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Nigel Sandridge/Released)

Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

Col. Marc Vandeveer, 48th Mission Support Group commander, simulates a injures during an extraction at Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30, 2014. Extractions are conducted to rescue injured victims and help prevent further potential danger. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Nigel Sandridge/Released)

Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

Maj. Jarod Blecher, 48th Logistic Readiness Squadron commander, receives medical attention during Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30, 2014. CORT allows Airmen to remain refined in procedures needed in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Nigel Sandridge/Released

Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

Airman 1st Class Ryan Nyars, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, provides security to a convoy formation during Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30, 2014. Vehicles create a box formation to protect simulated injured casualties while medical attention is provided. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Nigel Sandridge/Released)

Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

U.S. and U.K. armed forces are a briefed during Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30, 2014. The joint forces exercise between the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operators and the 6 Regiment Army Corps of Bury St. Edmunds helps military members train in convoy skills needed in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Nigel Sandridge/Released)

Airmen undergo semiannual combat training

Published June 3, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airmen of the 48th Logistic Readiness Squadron participated in three days of Combat Operation Readiness Training at Stanford Training Area, England, May 30 - June 1.

The joint forces exercise between 48th LRS vehicle operators and the U.K.'s 6 Regiment 6th Army Air Corps of Bury St. Edmunds helps military members train in convoy skills they will need in deployed environments.

Trainees spent three days undergoing various training exercises ranging from a convoy tactical formation to self-aid and buddy care. Explosive device and ordnance detection and avoidance drills are also on the agenda.

"It's ideal training," said Col. Marc Vandeveer, 48th Mission Support Group commander. "This is the type of complex preparation that we can't really do over on Royal Air Force Lakenheath, so coming out to STANTA really helps put the Airmen in real-life situations."

"We were the lifeline for the forward operating bases in Kuwait and Iraq," said Master Sgt. Bradley Williams, 48th LRS distribution section chief. "Our convoys can go a lot of places that would be too risky for our aircraft."

Since ground convoys can be cost effective and less risky when delivering cargo through insurgent areas, members of vehicle operations can be called at a moment's notice to use these skills learned during CORT.

"These Airmen have been getting great training these last couple of days," said Maj. Jarod Blecher, 48th LRS commander. "They're learning teamwork and camaraderie, along with getting some great training out here with our U.K. counterparts."

The U.S. Airmen worked hand-in-hand with the 6 Regt. AAC, trading ideas and experiences about the training.

"After spending quite a bit of time with our American counterparts in Afghanistan, coming out here is a really good sign of kick back," said U.K ACC Lance Cpl. Ash Cattermole. "Since we work so closely together, it's great to know that we're all on the same page, especially in life-or-death situations."

Though most 48th LRS vehicle operators have attended the Basic Convoy Combat Course at Camp Bullis, Texas, CORT is both a semi-annual refresher course for those who've been and a gateway for those who haven't.

"We keep training because our mission is always changing," said Senior Airman Troy Rehmert, 48th LRS vehicle operator. "We need to give our newer Airmen who've never been in convoy situations the tools they need to be ready during potential deployments."

The vehicle operators of the 48th LRS maintain a constant state of readiness and exemplify the 48th Fighter Wing mission to provide worldwide responsive combat airpower and support.