Children experience basic training and mock deployment
The 460th Force Support Squadron (FSS) hosted the 6th Annual Operation Future Forces
(OFF) Sept. 13, 2014, at Camp Rattlesnake. OFF allows children ages 8-18 to experience what
military members endure from basic training to technical school to a mock deployment, ending
with a homecoming party.
“The youth mock deployment was developed to alleviate many of the stresses commonly
experienced by young family members when one or both parents are deployed,” said Thomas
Cox, 460th FSS youth program chief. “Everything from basic training, tech schools, camp activities
and accomplishing their mission as a team made the event a one of a kind opportunity for military
kids.”
A few of the boys had their heads shaved before heading off to “Basic Military Training.” The
training consisted of doing push-ups and sit-ups, jumping through hula-hoops and running through
an inflatable castle. They were also taught how to stand at attention, salute and do an about-face.
After basic training, each child attended “technical school” and was taught a specific Air
Force Specialty Code to help them in their mock deployment. Some children were taught lifesaving
self-aid and buddy care skills while others learned about the importance of radio communications
while on a deployment.
The tech-school graduates were then issued water pistols before heading out. During their
deployment, the children encountered hostile and non-hostile citizens, a water-balloon fight and
injured allies who needed help along the way.
At the end of a long day, loved ones waited outside the youth center on base with homemade
signs welcoming the “troops” back home.
“This event was great,” said Senior Airman Jasmine Madison, 460th FSS Force Support Force
Management technician. “It’s a way for kids to get a hands-on understanding of what their parents
do when they are separated from them during deployments.”
Adapted from http://www.buckley.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123424927
According to the text, what is a mock deployment ?