445th Maintenance Group conducts mega training Published March 5, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Santana Austin 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Maintenance Group conducted their fourth annual mega training session during both February unit training assemblies to provide them with the necessary training that the Air Force requires, as well as the necessary training that their jobs require. Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Emberton, non-commissioned officer in charge of training, explained how mega training works and how well it has come along in the four years it has been in use. "We have approximately 500 people that we train in two weekends every February," he said. "We include all the different ancillary training, as well as the total force awareness training. We also give them a 4-hour block to do some hands-on training." In turn, mega training also leaves the flight with less concern about who has and who has not completed annual training. With a limited number of computers, this can be a gap in training when considering the unit has more than 500 personnel. The mega training solves that problem. "Before mega training, we used to have trouble getting people caught up in their annual training," said Emberton. "It was hard to get everyone to complete their annual training and focus on their job at the same time. Having very few computers to work with, it's hard to get any computer-based training done. So, we decided to incorporate mega training into our squadron, where everyone participates together and completes their annual training." Some of the briefings within the mega training session include suicide awareness and sexual assault prevention. Maj. Paula Fiepke, executive officer of the 445th MXG, gave the suicide awareness briefing. "Suicide is a choice you should never consider; it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem," she said. "Look around you. Everyone in this hangar is your wingman. If you're feeling stressed or sad, talk to your wingman. Share phone numbers; ask if you can text that person. It's always good to have someone you can talk to because, believe it or not, that one listening ear could make a very big difference." Master Sgt. Linda Thrasher, 445th Education and Training, gave the sexual assault prevention briefing, explaining the steps an Airman could take should they be sexually assaulted, as well as rape statistics and people who can be contacted in the event of sexual assault. According to Emberton, the mega training also makes it easier for Airmen to focus on their jobs, rather than trying to catch up on training, making the weekends less hectic. "I'll admit, there's a lot of information to take in with these sessions, but it's worth it in the end," said Emberton. "Getting all the training out of the way takes a heavy load off the squadron's shoulders and they can do their jobs with ease."