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2016 WINTER RANGER TRAINING

Map reading
L to R: C/Amn Chadwick Carreiro, C/MSgt Blaise Thibodeaux, C/Amn Maggie Thibodeaux, CAmn Joseph Carreiro , Map reading Photo by: Maj Linda Eldredge, PAO, NC160 (click image to view full size)
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Roughing it in the wilderness, to save lives

By C/Amn Joseph Carreiro
Cadet PAO, Cunningham Composite Squadron

3/14/2016–MCAS Cherry Pt., NC–The 7th annual Ranger Training Weekend was held on 19-21 February 2016 at Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle, NC. C/MSgt. Blaise Thibodeaux, C/Amn. Maggie Thibodeaux, C/Amn. Chadwick Carreiro, and C/Amn. Joseph Carreiro from the Cunningham Field Composite Squadron participated in the event in order to obtain their Ranger 3rd Class basic qualifications.

During the weekend cadets and senior members sharpened their SAR skills during both nighttime and daytime operations. Activities included compass and navigational work, map reading, and long-range hikes with 24 hour packs. ELT sorties, medical treatment skills, and physical fitness runs were also a part of the weekend training.

Participants from all over North Carolina, and as far away as Florida, Tennessee, and Delaware began arriving on Friday afternoon. During check-in training weekend leaders assigned each cadet to separate squadrons. After joining their squadrons, cadets set up their shelter for the weekend and began acquainting themselves with their fellow squadron mates while gathering firewood. After a great meal of hotdogs and macaroni and cheese, cadets and senior members gathered around the campfire for classes.

Saturday morning, squadrons woke early for PT and breakfast. The focus of Saturday’s training was basic search and rescue skills taught while hiking the mountain. Classes in rope tying and tree flagging following the evening mess.

All cadets also covered fire watch shifts for both nights. All participants conducted PT evaluations, and qualification sign-offs were held on Sunday morning. As soon as these events took place, everyone broke camp to depart. Despite lack of sleep and sore muscles, the weekend was a great experience for the four Cunningham Field cadets. In the words of CMSgt. Blaise Thibodeaux, “Training well taught, training well received.”