31 FW Airmen perform SERE combat survival training

Photo By Senior Airman Brooke Keisler | U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex Lodge, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, looks out of an HH-60 Pave Hawk after a combat survival training (CST) scenario at Cansiglio, Italy, April 15, 2021. Each pilot undertakes CST training every three years and included practicing survival skills, evading capture, and using techniques to escape from captivity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)  

CANSIGLIO, ITALY

04.15.2021

Story by Airman 1st Class Brooke Keisler 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy – Each step taken could be the one that reveals their position, so they must remain vigilant. They need to reach a clearing where they can be safely evacuated by recovery forces. All their training has culminated in this moment.

Four 31st Fighter Wing pilots recertified on Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) combat survival training (CST) procedures to maintain their combat mission readiness April 15, at Cansiglio, Italy. The training is re-accomplished every three years for each pilot and includes practicing survival skills, evading capture and using techniques to escape from captivity.

“We provided them a scenario where they were simulated ‘downed pilots’ in enemy territory and opposition forces looked for them to try to capture them,” said Tech. Sgt. Dylan Sedillo, 31st Operational Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training.”

Sedillo said the focus for the CST was to identify all the threats pilots can encounter in a real-life event and prepare them on how to respond to those threats.

At the start of the training each pilot received a survival vest, coordinates to a recovery point, and a time limit. In between each checkpoint along the way the pilots put their evasion skills to the test, taking refuge in shrubs, tree branches and different shelters to avoid their persistent pursuit.

“At the end of the CST, F-16 Fighting Falcons communicated with the pilots via radio and identified potential threats for the recovery forces,” said Sedillo. “Once cleared, the helicopter hoisted the pilots up and tested their knowledge on hoist procedures.”

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ashton Cleveland, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot and one of the simulated ‘downed pilots’, said he thinks it’s important to get hands-on training with the gear that isn’t used every day.

“This has been combat tested in real life many times and many pilots have had to use this training,” said Clevelend. “It's good to refresh our memories on what our survival tactics are, how we're going to evade and how to get rescued from enemy territories because it just might save our life one day.”

• Date Taken: 04.15.2021
• Date Posted: 04.21.2021 11:05
• Story ID: 394340
• Location: CANSIGLIO, IT