An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 8, 2006

Air Guard pilots train in escape, evasion

By 1st Lt. Tony Vincelli 124th Wing Public Affairs Office

IDAHO CITY, Idaho (AFPN) - A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron ascended the mountains here Aug. 6 for a refresher on escaping the enemy and evading capture should they ever be shot down.

The training they hope they never have to use is important because, while the United States and most other countries continue to abide by the principles of the Geneva Convention, today's enemy does not, said Idaho Air National Guard A-10 pilot Maj. Tim Donnellan.

"Today's battlefield has changed," said Major Donnellan, who doubles as the squadron's training officer. "The traditional rules on treatment of prisoners of war won't always apply. We wanted to emphasize the philosophy of 'don't get caught.'"

More than 20 pilots and a dozen support personnel from nearby Gowen Field spent all or part of their Guard drill weekend training on survival, escape, resistance and evasion techniques.

Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Littrell, the squadron's life support superintendent who led the training program, split the pilots into groups of two and sent them off into the rugged mountain terrain of the Boise National Forest here with nothing but a Global Positioning Satellite unit and a compass.

Sergeant Littrell said the training wasn't designed to be easy. Pilots had to navigate their way to six different stations, some as far as a half mile apart, without being seen by the enemy, played in this scenario by intelligence specialists from the 124th Operations Support Flight.

All aircrew members are required to attend the U.S. Air Force Survival School at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., as part of their initial training. Pilots must complete refresher training like the 190th's at regular intervals throughout their career. Idaho's pilots have the benefit of conducting training in remote areas that are similar to parts of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 190th Fighter Squadron's pilots have experience flying in hostile environments. They were deployed to Kuwait in the spring of 2003 when Operation Iraqi Freedom began.

Although they have not been ordered to deploy, Idaho Air Guard pilots approach this and all training as if they could be called up at any time.

"We've been over there before, so we know how important this kind of training is. I think we all approached it with a sense of urgency today," Major Donnellan said.

 

 

Related Articles
Indiana National Guard leadership poses with front from right, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Adams, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Kabella and Sgt. Dalton McCollum, are recognized for their heroism during a ceremony at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The soldiers received their awards for helping to save lives during Kentucky floods in February.
Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers Awarded Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | Sept. 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Four Hoosier National Guard Soldiers received the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross awards during a Sept. 12 ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters at Stout Field.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett...

U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

U.S. Army Capt. Mitchell Hagen teaches Ecuadorian servicemembers of the 9th Special Forces Brigade how to approximate the height of trees as part of a class on landing zone designation in Latacunga, Ecuador, Aug. 21, 2025. This final day of the State Partnership Program's air assault exchange consisted of practical, hands-on training in the field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)
Kentucky Guard, Ecuador Conduct Air Assault Training Exchange
By Sgt. Caleb Sooter, | Sept. 12, 2025
LATACUNGA, Ecuador - Members of the Kentucky National Guard took part in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State...