Santa Fe Cadets Learn the Basics of Ground Team Operations
By Cadet Capt. Dakota Cisneros, CAP
Santa Fe Composite Squadron
SANTA FE, N.M. – A recent field training exercise not only provided a valuable learning experience for the cadets of Santa Fe Composite Squadron. The exercise was held at Santa Fe Municipal airport on June 20, 2017.
During the exercise, cadets located and evacuated a simulated victim of an aircraft accident, learning the basics of ground search team movements, whistle commands, proper field protection, the importance of the wingman system, and how to conduct an improvised litter carry to transport a conscious injured person.
Cadet Public Affairs Officer Dakota Cisneros prepared a detailed Operational Risk Management Analysis, and a geo-referenced map as part of the exercise. Handheld radios were used to communicate with a simulated command base.
Squadron public affairs officer Capt. John Graham remarked, “The squadron hadn’t been involved in ground exercises in many years. With his exemplary leadership skills, Cadet Cisneros made it possible for the cadets to learn these new skills.”
Squadron officers participating in the exercise assisted with instruction, acted as incident commander and answered questions about real-life scenarios. A number of cadets expressed interest in further emergency services training to gain experience in the field and to pursue personal goals for their future careers.
(Editor’s Note: The squadron’s cadet public affairs officer, Cadet Capt. Dakota Cisneros, completed one of the requirements for his promotion to cadet major by planning and leading a ground search and rescue mission for the cadets. As preparation for the exercise, Cadet Cisneros prepared a detailed Operational Risk Management analysis, and a geo-referenced map to navigate to a simulated crash site at the airport. )
Above: Cadets from Santa Fe Composite Squadron participate in a simulated litter carry of an aircraft crash victim during a squadron search and rescue exercise. (Photo: Capt. C. John Graham, CAP)