SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC -- Some people remember the days when reservists went away to be 'weekend warriors.'
They remember that a unit training assembly was a time to participate in the 'boy's club' or enjoy a weekend away from home.
Today's training is anything but fun and games and Reserve engineers proved that during a simulated war activity where bone chilling temperatures did not deter a convoy attack by mock insurgents nor swift countermeasures to ensure the safety of base personnel.
One hundred thirteen members of the 916th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in an Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) exercise at the 145th Regional Training Site in New London, NC Feb. 8-11.
The training site hosted more than 2500 people in 2006 with groups consisting mostly of 50 to 60 people.
"We have groups comprised of active duty and Reserve members from the Air Force, Army as well as British personnel, said Tech. Sgt. Jason Huffstetler, a utilities instructor with the 145th RTS. "We even have some folk from as far away as Alaska."
The RTS provides hands-on upgrade training on equipment that is too costly to field at each individual base.
For most of the engineers it was not their first visit to the training site and probably not the last.
"Everything here is first class," said Master Sgt. Walter Powell, an electrician with the 916th CES.
Members started their training Thursday afternoon with a bare base bed down and equipment check.
Groups from different shops divided up to begin setting up tent structures as well as electrical hookups for portable generators to provide lights and heat for those spending the night outside.
Convoy training also began as members practiced the correct procedures for driving the convoys and what steps needed to be taken in case of an attack.
After breakfast Friday morning, a group received some hands on training and then were placed out in the field to test their knowledge on using a hand held Global Positioning Satellite unit to track their way back to a given position as part of a GPS confidence course.
While additional convoy training was taking place, members from the electrical shop of the 916th CES were able to sharpen their skills as they suited up for pole climbing. Each person has to be able to ascend and descend the pole and know the necessary steps in working around live wires.
During the simulated attack on Saturday morning, the Damage Control Center coordinated all incoming information and sent directives to the convoy that was under attack.
After receiving information about needed repairs, the Rapid Runway Repair Team was able to show off the size and strength of the heavy equipment and just what these machines can do. The Triple R team was out in force to make sure the runway was operational with minimal downtime.
"There are many places that you go for training, but this is one place that you would want to come back to," added Sgt. Powell.