Airmen improve CDC test scores at Balad despite hostile environment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olufemi A. Owolabi
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Anyone would think deploying Airmen to a hostile environment under the blistering 120-degree heat and indirect fire from insurgents and terrorists would make them lackadaisical in their academic prowess and performance. Those people need to think twice.

Recently, Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here proved this theory wrong and reflected one of the three Air Force core values: excellence in all we do. Not only did they show they can fight the war on terror, they also showed they can succeed with flying colors after taking their career development course's end-of-course test here.

Recent test results revealed the average score of Airmen in upgrade training in the 332nd ESFS was above 90 percent, which makes it a 100-percent pass rate.

"This is an exceptional achievement," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin White, 332nd ESFS manager deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan. "In stateside and friendly overseas assignments, some security forces Airmen fail their initial CDC's EOC, and many score in the 70s or low 80s. They do this while working an eight or 12-hour duty schedule, which is not mirrored in any war zone."

Here at Balad, security forces Airmen work 13 to 14 hours a day, six days a week. Many have been on the job a few months before deploying here for six or more months, and the squadron hasn't had any failures. Instead, the squadron's average test score is 90 percent.

When Chief White was in Germany in 1982, he took his 5-level CDC test and scored 98 percent. In the course of two years at this specific installation, the next highest score obtained was a 92 with more failures than anticipated. The passing score back then was about 60 percent. These numbers included both career fields, security specialist and law enforcement personnel, and they were working eight-hour shifts in a pre-9/11, peaceful environment.

This stellar performance shows how great the Balad's security forces Airmen, supervisors and on-the-job monitors are, said Maj. James Lowe, the 332nd ESFS commander.

"With 19 troops in upgrade training, these folks have been working hard to ensure we maintain a 100-percent pass rate, with a 90 percent EOC average. We even had two Force Protection Airmen complete their CDCs at Balad as well," the commander emphasized. "This is an awesome achievement."

Airmen 1st Class Cody Rannells and Patrick Dantzic not only scored above 90, they went above and beyond, scoring 97 and 96 respectively.

"Excelling in their CDCs sets these two Airmen apart from other Airmen, said Master Sgt. Louis McCollor, 332nd ESFS flight sergeant deployed from Offutt AFB, Neb. "They set goals for themselves and did what they needed to do to achieve their goals. They wanted high scores, put forth the effort and sacrificed the time. Proper goal setting is something that cannot be ignored. You have to prioritize your life to achieve your goals, and they both did this. This sets them apart from other Airmen because we as leaders realize these two Airmen understand and are showing the traits of good leadership."

Airman Rannells, who deployed from Aviano Air Base, Italy, described a combat zone as a place with minimal time limits when it comes to getting things done. According to him, the fact remains that people don't get much time-off here, but the little time they get is enough to get things done if well utilized.

"I was really motivated and wanted to get a good score," he said. "If you want to do well, create time to study."

Airman Rannells' supervisor here, Master Sgt. Kelly Winston, described him as very quiet and thoughtful person.

"He sits back, watches everything and doesn't say much," Sergeant Winston said. "But his CDC score and the way he does his job every day speak for him."

Normally, it takes a year between when Airmen receive their CDC study books and when they test, but Airman Dantzic, 322nd ESFS fly-away security team member deployed from Royal Air Force Base Mildenhall, United Kingdom, completed his five-volume CDC program in no time and prepared for his end-of-course examination..
Considering Airman Dantzic's job, providing security for C-130 aircraft on the flightline and crew transiting to hostile locations throughout the area of responsibility and adjoining countries, where security is deemed inadequate, finishing his CDC in less than a year seemed unrealistic. But he did it in less than two months.
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"If you want to do well, you'd have to dedicate your time," Airman Dantzic said. "Everybody, including our supervisors, gives us a lot of motivation because they want to see us do well."

To become a member of the fly-away security team, an Airman must be chosen as one of the best among his peers, said, Tech. Sgt. Donald Dye, non-commissioned officer in charge of fly-away security.

"Airman Dantzic proved he is definitely a leader, hard working and eager to set high standards for others to follow," Sergeant Dye said. "And as the squadron NCOIC of fly-away security, it is my duty to select the best quality Airmen to join my program. After interviewing over a dozen Airmen (all of which outranked Airman Dantzic), he stood out among the rest, thus he was one of my top choices. In him, I see an Airman with leadership qualities that others emulate."

The standard is very high here, Staff Sgt. Jose Mendez, 322nd NCOIC of training, said. The commander's policy is that everyone who is about to test should have five consecutive 90 percent pre-test scores and one 90 on the comprehensive CDC before they are allowed to test.

"These Airmen consistently set the tone for the rest of their peers in their daily duties," Sergeant Winston said. "The drive these two individuals have within themselves to do well is phenomenal despite their environment. They are the type of Airmen we need in the Air Force today. Airmen who will do what we need them to do and do it the right way all the time."