FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. –
The 316th Civil Engineer Squadron completed bivouac training to improve their skills and readiness capabilities in a simulated deployed environment July 17-20.
The training exercise challenged the engineers in a realistic and safe, bare-base environment, in preparation for real-world contingencies.
“We all have to be multi-capable, multifunctional, and have the resilience and agility to perform not just what we’re good at, but what our team may require us to perform in a time of need,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Todd E. Randolph, 316th Wing and installation commander.
The exercise culminated in an event that required two teams made up of different career fields to work together and quickly establish the beginnings of an air base.
“The training is focused on the multi-capable airmen concept and developing our engineers for the next [deployment] cycle,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Frankie N. Valentin, 316th CES chief of operations engineering. “Essentially, each [career field] had the lead on their specific [career field] task but also took members from other shops in one team to get the job done.”
Teams were required to conduct a site survey and erect a shelter system. They also built structures such as berms, a helipad, latrines and a remote airfield lighting system.
“I’m proud of the engineers’ mentality and perspective to take on this training event, especially with all of the tasks that we have across the squadron,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Graham Auten, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “They’ve done it with incredible compassion and competence, they’re really leading the way in demonstrating what it means to incorporate readiness training into our day-to-day activities for the Air Force.”