372nd TRS, Field Training Detachment 9: Elite educators producing superior maintainers

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Kenneth Shinn
  • 372nd Training Squadron

Unit: Field Training Detachment (FTD) 9, 372 Training Squadron

Location: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia

Vision: Elite educators producing superior maintainers, enhancing the combat capability of the United States Armed Forces

Mission: Deliver superior training and support by anticipating and exceeding the evolving needs of our customers.

Motto: “Preparing today’s maintainers and tomorrow’s leaders.”

The instructors at Moody Air Force Base play an integral role in ensuring Moody’s mission success. Master Sgt. Ricardo Medina, Detachment Chief for 209, has nothing but praise for the 22 instructors that are currently with the detachment. “We have seven separate maintenance units here at Moody, composed of more than 1,000 Airmen, and my instructors provide subject matter expertise to all of them in one way or another. Day in and day out, my instructors find new ways to not only provide one-of-a-kind classroom instruction, but also generate improvements at the detachment, squadron, group, wing, and base levels. There is not a better group of Airmen that I could ask for.”

Throughout CY 2015 Detachment 9 hosted over 200 classes, trained 636 personnel, and achieved more than 12,743 training hours in support of the HC-130Js, H-60s, and A-10s that are stationed at Moody. Tech. Sgt. Jason Greene, A-10 Weapons Specialist, shares with us how the weapons instructors integrate classroom lessons with real world requirements. “We always work with the flight line when it comes to hands-on training. When the unit has discrepancies that need worked, we seek those jobs out and weave the maintenance in with the required instruction.” This teamwork between detachment and flight line saved over one thousand man hours, and contributed to more than 7,000 sorties that totaled over 26,000 flight hours for the 23 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Detachment 9 offers system expertise to Air Force Materiel Command concerning the creation of training material for the HH-60W. “Our H-60 instructors have a tremendous impact on the stand-up of the brand new curriculum that will provide a quick and smooth transition once the new Combat Rescue Helicopters come to Moody.” Master Sgt. Robert Feldman, HH-60 APG Specialist, explains to us. “Right now, there is a $6 million contract with Logistic Service International, and we are working directly with the course developers to ensure complete and accurate training materials reach our Airmen.”

Medina provides insight in how his instructors strive for excellence inside and outside of their detachment. “Many of our instructors are actively involved in the base 5/6, AFSA, and base committees that are charged with hosting Moody’s ceremonies throughout the year. Our instructors coach basketball, soccer, and softball within the community’s little leagues. We were a key contributor in moving and organizing more than 2 tons of uniforms for the new Airman’s Attic. Just recently, the detachment took it upon themselves to build a new playground for a local elementary school. Instructors have a constant presence within the base’s Professional Development Center, where they teach classes that focus on leadership, followership, and teamwork. We created a speech DANTES prep course to help prepare eager test takers. Honestly, I could go on and on with the tremendous work these instructors do here at Moody, but I think Major General Brown, Commander 2nd Air Force, said it best.”

 

“I travel quite a bit, but I must say that your team may be the most impressive detachment that I’ve seen.”

Major General Brown

Commander 2nd Air Force, USAF