Block training offers efficient alternative to CBTs

  • Published
  • By Capt. Elizabeth Caraway
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Members of the 445th Airlift Wing are better equipped to handle future taskings, thanks to a weekend of block training in February. Multiple units across the wing compressed their hours of manual training into two days, freeing up the year's remaining drill weekends and annual tour time for their primary duties, providing strategic transport of personnel and equipment and aeromedical evacuation.

"Block training allows us to complete all the Total Force Awareness Training and high-interest items in one weekend, rather than piecemeal throughout the year," said Maj. Denny Park, 445th Airlift Wing director of inspections.

Typically, reservists have completed training using computer based training modules, which present information in a series of videos and slide presentations. CBTs and ancillary training are annual requirements, but completion can be limited by computer access and time, as well as the real-world mission requirements that must come first. Relying on member availability can be challenging, as well, since traditional reservists are usually only on base for one weekend a month, or have jobs that require a more fluid schedule, like aircrew.

The 89th Airlift Squadron has conducted unit block training for years, usually during the January or February unit training assembly.

"[Block training sessions] assure we accomplish all the training necessary to get the mission done and maintain mission-ready status," said Col Dave Owens, 89th AS commander.

In addition to courses like Self-Aid and Buddy Care and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense, the block training allows units to take courses specific to their career field en-masse. For example, the aircrew received briefings in crisis risk management and tactics.

Master Sgt. Julie Meintel, 445th Airlift Wing historian, said block training used to be the norm for wing staff.

"Years ago, we used to have 'Wing Week' and everyone would have to save five days of annual tour to come in and complete the total force training," said Meintel. "With the advent of CBTs, 'Wing Week' went away."

Wing staff reinstituted block training this year to improve overall unit readiness. For wing staff, the weekend included everything from Information Protection and Law of Armed Conflict training to fire extinguisher and self-aid and buddy care instruction.

"Block training is really effective because we can dedicate an entire UTA to getting it all done, freeing up time during the rest of the UTAs--and annual tours--for our primary jobs," said Meintel.