An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Detachments meet to discuss training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd TRW
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Detachment commanders and chiefs from the 982nd Training Group's 45 detachments met at Sheppard AFB for a three-day workshop to become familiar with the group's leadership and to improve the training process. 

The annual Worldwide Workshop started Aug. 25 to bring all the detachment commanders together to discuss problems, successes and areas for improvement so they can continue to increase the effectiveness of field training. 

Col. John Rausch, 982nd TRG commander, said this is the only time during the year when all the commanders can really discuss what issues they face. It also allows them to plan for the future using the knowledge gained from other detachment commanders. 

"We are constantly seeking to improve the way we train, and this workshop provides optimum conditions for effective communication," he said.  "Not all detachments have the same problems. Where one has been struggling, another may have succeeded in that same area. So, it is a perfect time to really get everyone on the same page. 

Colonel Rausch said every detachment varies in size, types of airframes and number of instructors and students so problems vary from base to base. It is invaluable for commanders to share information and to continue improving training processes, quality of life and personnel issues. 

Planning for the future also shares a part of the workshop. 

Many bases are in the process of switching to new airframes.  Training the maintainers for new airframes is a top priority. Since all follow-on training takes place onsite, it is essential for the detachments to communicate as they usher in the new training. 

"We all experience different things," said Master Sgt. Gorge Mujica, 376th Training Squadron, Det 13, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. "I have six airframes at my detachment, which makes us a rather large detachment. We might have different problems than other dets, but our unified goal is to train Airmen." 

The 982nd TRG has detachments all over the world and communication is what keeps the well-oiled machine running smoothly. 

"With so many detachments spread over the globe, it helps to have this meeting to put a face to a name and talk about the issues we all face and to learn what the squadron and group commanders want from us," said Capt. Patrick Nobels, 373rd TRS, Det 3, Dover AFB, Del. 

Colonel Rausch said he wants the detachment commanders to interact better with their squadron and group level commanders.  He said that the better they communicate, the more tools they will have to complete the mission.