Joining together to save time, money, efficiency

  • Published
  • By A1C Jackson N Haddon
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 578th Forward Support Company at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, participated in a joint-training operation with loadmaster instructors from the 58th Airlift Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, March 23, 2017.

The purpose of the training was to provide Soldiers with the hands-on experience for handling cargo and vehicles on a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft. This training will be instrumental in helping Soldier’s load aircraft in a deployed location, aiding in warfighting capabilities for both the Air Force and the Army.

“We’re all for different kinds of training with other branches of the military,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Mark Jackson, 578th FSC distribution chief. “It’s been extremely beneficial to get on the aircraft we’re going to possibly be using and learn some of the techniques. It’s only going to accelerate the loading process overseas.”

The Airmen instructed and demonstrated proper procedures for securing cargo for the Soldiers. The Soldiers were then able to practice the proper procedures after receiving tips and tricks from the instructors.

“It’s great to have them come out,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Casey Mabe, 58th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster. “This gives them an idea of what to expect when they get deployed so they can speed up everything because they already have the experience they need.”

The soldiers supplied vehicles from Fort Sill for the training to make it as realistic as possible.

“I’ve been downrange and I’ve had to show guys how to tie stuff down,” said Mabe. “Getting this done before hand exponentially increases time management for not only the Air Force aircrew. It saves money, fuel, gets us out of the area as quick as we can and benefits everybody all the way around.”

Working with other branches in a training environment enhances warfighting capabilities and helps the services work as a team to complete the mission.