Logisticians go to CORT

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Members of the 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron partnered with the 944th Security Forces Squadron to conduct Convoy Operational Readiness Training March 3 - 6. The training incorporated classroom instruction and a hands-on exercise.

"The exercise gives our vehicle operators a chance to put into practice what was learned in the classroom," said Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Brook, 944th LRS transportation manager. "It's a critical part of CORT training."

CORT is a bi-annual requirement for all LRS vehicle operators and maintainers, Brook said.

Prior to the exercise, vehicle operators and maintainers learned about several expeditionary topics including convoy security, expedient repairs in the field and medical evacuation. Training was also conducted in land navigating and the proper use of a radio.

The training culminated with an operational exercise conducted at Luke Auxiliary Field. Airmen with the 944th Fighter Wing as well as a handful from the 56th Fighter Wing locked and loaded paintball guns and headed into the exercise area in a convoy of off-road vehicles.

Security forces members ambushed the vehicle operators at random points along the route, creating a realistic training experience.

"The exercise has evolved over the years, every year we add a piece to make it better," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Orso, 944th LRS vehicle maintenance superintendent. "Having security forces play the role of aggressor adds to the deployment mentality and sets us up for a real-world experience."

The convoy exercise provided LRS members the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of vehicle intervals, communicating in the field and reacting to attacks.

"The biggest take-away from CORT training is the hands-on experience because multi-sensory training is the best way to learn," said Orso. "When we mobilize, that training will kick in and our vehicle operators will be able to trust in the training they received."