MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – The 167th Airlift Wing focused on readiness and training during an extended annual drill weekend June 9-13.
The four-day assembly, instead of the standard two-day weekend, is known as “super drill” and offers an extended opportunity for wing members to catch up on necessary training and provide wing operations support.
“It allows us to spend more time on stuff that we can only touch on during a regular drill,” said Chief Master Sgt. Troy Brawner, 167th AW command chief. “Everyone is getting their specific training done, and that’s very important.”
The extended drill enabled Airmen to complete expeditionary skills training, meet medical readiness requirements and hone in on job-specific skills training.
More than 200 Airmen completed the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense course.
Airmen also took part in tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) training.
The 167th Medical Group conducted CPR and basic lifesaving training and strengthened the wing’s overall medical readiness.
Chief Master Sgt. Tracie Darby, 167th Medical Group chief, said the extended drill enabled Airmen more time to tend to medical requirements, increasing the wing’s individual medical readiness significantly.
In addition, aircrew flight equipment specialists provided combat and water survival training, courses that are required for the aircrew every three years. More than 30 members from the 167th Operations Group completed the training.
“All throughout COVID, we kept launching the mission and getting the job done every day,” said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Effland, 167th Aircrew Flight Equipment chief. “But super drill kept continuity for training our members.”
Though the extended drill focused on readiness and training, there were other events to strengthen wing morale.
Cookouts, catered lunches and bags of kettle corn were provided, while team-building exercises such as volleyball and corn hole were conducted in groups to drive comradery throughout the base.
“Bringing people together for four days like this does help with morale,” said Brawner. “It lets you get to know your folks a little bit better. I look forward to it every year.”