Commentary: CST through my eyes

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian Brown
  • 100th Communication Squadron
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  I recently attended combat skills training and it was an eye opening experience. The only combat type training I had ever received was a 3-day expeditionary skills training course at Langley Air Force Base, Va. in 2007, and I was very apprehensive.

Saying goodbye to my wife and daughter with no known time for return before proceeding downrange was difficult, just as it has been every time I've deployed.

As a master sergeant, I was the senior member in a class with 55 other enlisted Airmen. The CST classes were designed to test flexibility, adaptability and ability to handle stress.

I was exposed to pyrotechnics, simulated gunfire and I endured the mental and physical stress of being separated from loved ones to help myself prepare for what I could potentially face downrange.

Additionally, there were medical skills training scenarios, set up to simulate real-life situations where I was faced with blood, guts and wingmen screaming for their lives. The ability to operate as a team, clearly communicate with each other, and put aside rank in order to accomplish the mission at hand benefited us all. I was confident it would help me when I went downrange.

Learning 54 different personalities, juggling expectations of the Air Force Detachment at Fort Dix, N.J., and not being able to communicate with my family on a regular basis was difficult.

One of the most challenging parts of CST was learning the Army way of life. Adapting to the mindset took some rewiring in the way that I've generally thought about Army training.

The Army trainers at CST were true professionals. They were experienced veterans of the subjects they were teaching. 

I took some key points away from CST that I think will help others getting ready to deploy.
  • Start preparing early for you and your family. Talk to others who have been there. Information is power and the more you know, the more comfortable you and your family will be with your absence.
     
  • If you haven't done so prior to getting tasked, get your physical and spiritual life in order.
     
  • If possible, meet your wingmen before you embark to CST because the brotherhood you form with fellow Service members in the most difficult of situations are bonds that can never be broken. The relationships that are forged in training are priceless because during training and deployment, all you have to depend on is each other.
CST gave me the confidence that if I went outside the wire while deployed, I knew I would get back to my family and friends safely.