JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) -- Special operations recruiters from the 330th Recruiting Squadron were welcomed by survival, evasion, resistance and escape cadre from Detachment 3, 66th Training Squadron, to learn more about SERE’s Evasion and Conduct After Capture, or ECAC, course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, June 3.
ECAC was the first stop for recruiters from the 330th RCS who travelled from across the United States to attend this biannual squadron training intended to immerse recruiters into SERE training in order for them to be better able to recruit Air Force SERE candidates.
“Today you experienced a half day’s worth of what ECAC students are exposed to,” said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Kemmer, ECAC superintendent. “It is our job as SERE specialists to ensure the tactics, techniques and procedures we teach gives anyone who goes through our course the necessary skills and confidence needed to return with honor, regardless of the circumstances of their isolation.”
ECAC is a four-day course and is the Air Force’s level-B SERE training, provided to military members who will operate in high-risk locations or may find themselves in environments with increased risk of isolation or capture.
“The knowledge and insight we gained today and every time we partner with the SERE team here at Lackland, is absolutely vital for guiding our future warriors to their calling,” said Lt. Col. Heath Kerns, 330th RCS commander. “When our recruiters get this type of hands-on engagements they gain crucial experience to inspire the next generation. It helps us not only understand what SERE candidates will do but also the character and passion needed for them to succeed. The SERE community fully supports our specialized recruiting and makes us better every time we come together. Thank you for always having open doors for us; we greatly appreciate you (Det. 3).”
The immersion was not only a chance to educate 330th RCS recruiters, it also gave SERE specialists an opportunity to showcase what it means to be a SERE specialist.
“You are the ones who are building our Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Graham, former Det. 3, 66th TRS commander. “We are an interesting and small career field. Today you saw the type of person it takes to be a SERE specialist and we hope that you can take this experience and leverage it to find motivated individuals who are up to the challenge. Thank you for what you are doing to help build SERE, special warfare Airmen and our Air Force.”
The ECAC training facility opened at JB San Antonio-Lackland in October 2011 and about 6,000 students graduate each year. Since there are no designated SERE career field in other military branches, Air Force SERE specialists assist with conducting SERE training for the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves and other requesting agencies. Service members from other branches, train at the ECAC training facility.
For more information on SERE visit, https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/survival-evasion-resistance-and-escape-sere or https://www.gosere.af.mil/.