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Guam Guard soldiers complete US Army air assault course
Seven soldiers, from the Guam Army National Guard’s 1st-294th Infantry Regiment, graduate from the U.S. Army’s Air Assault Course, on Friday, Dec. 7, at The Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia. From left, PFC Kenneth Reyes, Headquarters Co.; Sgt. Rick Mendiola, Charlie Co.; SPC Jasery Muna, Alpha Co.; SSgt. Danielglen Salas, Charlie Co.; Sgt. Christian Melicio, Bravo Co.; Maj. John Guerrero, Headquarters Co.; and SPC Brian Castro, Delta Co. (Guam National Guard)
Seven Guam National Guard soldiers graduated from the U.S. Army’s Air Assault Course, on Friday, Dec. 7, at The Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia.
The new graduates are Maj. John Guerrero and PFC Kenneth Reyes, from Headquarters Headquarters Co.; SPC Jasery Muna, from Alpha Co.; Sgt. Christian Melicio, from Bravo Co.; SSgt. Danielglen Salas and Sgt. Rick Mendiola, from Charlie Co.; and SPC Brian Castro, from Delta Co.
The U.S. Army’s Air Assault School is a 10-day course designed to prepare soldiers for insertion, evacuation and pathfinder missions that call for the use of multipurpose transportation and assault helicopters.
Air assault training is one of the most physically challenging 10 days in the Army as it focuses on the mastery of rappelling techniques and sling load procedures, skills that involve intense concentration and a commitment to safety and preparation. Training is broken into three phases, each lasting three days: combat assault phase, sling load phase, and rappel phase. On graduation day, cadets will undergo a 12-mile rucksack march. When they complete the march, they will earn their wings as official air assault soldiers.
Air assault school is necessarily physically and mentally demanding, as soldiers will be required to handle heavy equipment and perform dangerous tasks under extremely stressful conditions. Successful candidates must possess a keen eye for detail and a dedication to meticulous preparation. (PR)
