SERE stands up to the challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  SERE specialists were challenged with intensive tasks during a week-long advanced training program From Jan. 24 to Feb. 5, at Eielson Air Force Base.

Detachment 1, 66th Training Squadron held two instruction courses--each a week-long designed to teach Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape principles to SERE specialists seeking to receive their level-3 and level-5 upgrade training.

The SERE specialist advanced training program builds on the basic techniques learned at technical school.

This course is similar to "Cool School", a five day class taught by the Arctic Survival School here from November to March, but covers a wider variety of survival techniques.

The advanced training learned makes SERE instructors more proficient at their job, and prepares SERE specialists for positions as instructors.

"Ultimately, not only do SERE instructors want students to walk away with the skills, but the confidence gained as well," said Senior Airman Broc Allen, Det 1, 66th SERE specialist. "A lot of guys at the end of the course are glad they did it because it teaches them to believe in themselves and their ability as SERE instructors. If they needed to build a fire or a shelter, they know the principles to make it happen."

While some SERE specialists attending the class were fresh out of technical school, other more experienced SERE members also took part in the upgrade training. The basic SERE training course, also known as SV80, equipped students with the knowledge necessary for surviving Alaska's harsh arctic environment, whereas the advanced course attempts to sharpen established principles of survival.

"This group of SERE specialists is experienced with being in the outdoors," said Airman Allen. "We can push them a little bit harder, a little bit further."

Still, even experienced students had their challenges in the Alaskan climate. After building a signal fire that sent smoke surging several feet in the air and providing any nearby rescuers an aerial visual, students were still expected to call in coordinates to make it easier for pilots to find those in need of rescue.

"I tell my Airmen that the best time to use their signal flare is when they hear aircraft," said Staff Sgt. Mark Dornford, Det 1, 66th SERE specialist. "Although we instruct Airmen to use smoke generators and signal flares, this course shows SERE instructors how to give aircraft visual references or vector in case SERE can't pop smoke or don't have signal flares."

SERE instructors receiving the training could take valuable lessons learned back to Fairchild Air Force Base, the SERE home station.

"Lessons learned in SERE can help anyone out of a dangerous situation," said Airman Allen. "One time I was out in the Yukon Training Area hunting and my truck got stuck. I was 35 miles away from civilization, but luckily a friend was able to come get me and my truck."

"If it's 40 below outside and you're not doing what's right, you can find yourself in a world of hurt," he added.

Sere instructors seeking level-3 and level-5 upgrade training lead by example. Advanced training prepares SERE instructors to teach students the art of survival, further enhancing their ability to stay alive and help others do the same.