WTI students shovel new knowledge

Photo By Sgt. Cody Rowe | Maj. Sean Hulsey, a Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 airfield operations company commander, hammers a spike into the ground during airfield damage repair operations in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-18 at Canon Air Defense Complex, Yuma, Ariz., March 28. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Cody Rowe/Released)  

CANON AIR DEFENSE COMPLEX, AZ, UNITED STATES

03.28.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Cody Rowe 

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1

U.S. Marine officers and staff noncommissioned officers from around the world conducted airfield damage repair during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-18 at Canon Air Defense Complex, Yuma, Ariz., March 28.

“Airfield damage repair can consist of spalls [small concrete chip] or craters,” said Sgt. Garry Stone, a Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 combat engineer.

“If ADR is not conducted properly, it can damage aircraft when landing or taking off and lives could be lost,” said Sgt. Nicholas Ackerman, a Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 combat engineer.

Junior Marines within the job field taught students how to identify and assess damage, then tested their knowledge through practical application.

The students were also taught how to cut spalls, operate a jackhammer, pour pavement, and fix craters. This training included learning the proper use of the tools necessary to conduct ADR.

In contrast to most students, the class attending the training today consisted of mostly officers and senior enlisted Marines. In leadership positions, their knowledge of engineering capabilities in a MWSS is very important, according to Stone.

“They understand that, in their position, they need to know the capabilities of how we work and how ADR operations are conducted,” said Stone. “The students are soaking up the knowledge.”

“It’s really important for the students to know [operations], even if they do not get attached to a MWSS,” said Ackerman. “If we do deploy, they’ll have the knowledge to lead us.”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2018
• Date Posted: 03.29.2018 17:27
• Story ID: 271104
• Location: CANON AIR DEFENSE COMPLEX, AZ, US