KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Following the effects of COVID-19, the 81st Training Group has taken measures to ensure safety among Airmen while also executing its crucial mission.
The 336th Training Squadron initiated online classes for multiple courses within the squadron using electronic platforms such as Blackboard, which allows them to communicate and interact with the students about the class material.
Tech. Sgt. Cory Bearce, 336th TRS knowledge management instructor, sees this crisis as a time for readiness and production.
“This has been a difficult time, but also a time for innovation for the 336th TRS and the Air Force,” said Bearce. “We have been able to generate a process for moving the students through the course in a productive fashion, while also instilling time-management and accountability discipline.”
The new method of teaching the courses provides the students with the necessary resources to learn the material. Being productive through this time is something Tech. Sgt. Aaron Fairfax, 336th TRS instructor supervisor, believes can help Keesler continue to contribute to the Air Force mission.
“We want to keep our students and staff safe,” said Fairfax. “The platforms we are using give our students all of the resources they need to complete their training. Cyber security is extremely important for the Air Force mission and our team is doing what we can to be resilient.”
The virus has created a possibility of long-term safety and health issues, and Tech Sgt. Jimmy Atwater, 336th TRS cyber systems operations instructor, believes the 81st Training Group must continue to produce Airmen regardless of these circumstances.
“We owe it to the next generation of the Air Force to continue to produce warfighters capable of supporting the mission,” said Atwater. “We are striving to be resilient. The virus has been an obstacle and the 336th TRS and our Airmen want to accomplish any challenges thrown at us.”
Bearce believes the resiliency of the 336th TRS is what is keeping the squadron running.
“It is important to recognize the strength of our students and staff amidst this crisis,” said Bearce. “Our teamwork and resiliency has allowed us to overcome these challenges.”