Kaiserslautern American, February 19, 2016

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

February 19, 2016

Volume 40, number 7

ASOS Airmen strike with fury Story and photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs He tries to ignore the silent trickle of rain that falls down his face and o ses on the r id rsts o g nfire in the distance; he knows that he and his Airmen will be found soon. However, that concentration is short-lived as a deafening gust of wind erupts from above and the command “Get him to the helicopter! ” is yelled by his team. U nable to move due to his wounds, his comrades grab his bulletproof vest and sprint toward the U H-60 Black Hawk for medical evacuation, all hi e e ding the rr ge o g n fire The mission was a training scenario held Feb. 8 through 9 at U .S. Army Garrison Bavaria in Vilseck, Germany, to prepare 2nd Air Support Operations Squa dron Airmen for realworld operations. The 2nd ASOS is a combat support unit, and their role is to provide tactical command and control of airpower assets to the ground commander for combat missions. “I n the moments where bullets can’t get the j ob done is where we come in,” said Senior Airman Martin Dietrich, 2nd ASOS tactical air control party. “I f there is a building full of targets, I can

Airmen from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron drag a simulated casualty for medical evacuation during training Feb. 8 at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria in Vilseck, Germany. The training consisted of calling in close air support, neutralizing opposing forces, and practicing medical evacuation by helicopter. Blank rounds and smoke grenades were used during the training to simulate the potential chaos an ASOS Airman may experience during a real-world mission.

call for close air support and that obstacle is cleared almost immediately.” To further improve their skills, half of the Airmen took the role of oppos-

ing forces to ensure their wingmen faced a formable challenge. t first it s rett di fi t to stay focused while running around,

taking cover and searching for the enemy,” Dietrich said. “But after a See ASOS, Page 2

Ramstein revives apprenticeship program Ramstein is known for having one of the most extensive missions throughout the Air Force, and it

takes more than j ust uniformed Airmen to keep this mission going. Local national employees play a huge role in Ramstein’s ability to maintain base operations and keep aircraft in the air, ultimately allowing the base to plan for long-term suc-

cess and increase installation resilience. To ensure the hiring of well-trained and educated local nationals, Ramstein will be reviving its apprenticeship program by hiring approximately 20 new employees in various pro-

NEWS

Monday through Feb. 26 is Military Saves Week. Promote good saving behaviors to the military community and take the Military Saves pledge. To register, visit www.militarysaves.org.

FEATURES

Tip of the Week

fessions. The 86th Force Support Sq uadron’s Civilian ersonne fi e is t ing applications from now until May 30. The CPO will also be hosting an apprenticeship fair March 3 at the GermanAmerican Community

Lajes Airmen stay mission ready, Page 6

fi e in isers tern Ramstein’s apprenticeship program is designed to mimic the German system that provides practical handson skills as well as classroom education for young adults. See PROGRAM, Page 3

LIFESTYLES

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1st CMXS, 86th CS optimize networks together, Page 8

Women’s club sponsors Pfennig Bazaar, Page 17


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