Operation Kids, a fun learning experience Published Oct. 27, 2009 By Master Sgt. Brandon O'Neil 17th Force Support Squadron GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- Children of military parents experienced first-hand on Saturday what it was like for their parents to prepare for a deployment. Operation KIDS 2009 gave kids, ages 5 through 18 the opportunity to play the role of their military parents for the day. The 60 participants started the day with a telephone recall which instructed them to report to the Vance Deployment Center at their respected Chalk times. The new enlistees were then asked to present deployment orders, issued identification cards, dog tags, mobility bag (backpack) and uniform. Next ,they processed through a mobility line allowing them to talk with base representatives from the chapel, finance and medical. They were issued goodies from the chapel, money from finance and skittles for immunizations. The troops were provided a specific intelligence mission brief covering flight plans and enemy threats, then proceeded to a deployed air base. At the deployed location, each troop conquered a Marine obstacle course, confined space tunnel, and was instructed on proper use of various fire rescue vehicles. Then a 17th Security Forces Squadron K-9 unit demonstrated how their canine counterparts apprehend and subdue enemy intruders. After counterinsurgency training, the deployees departed for their C-130 pre-flight instruction and boarded the plane for Forward Operating Base discovery. Upon arrival at the FOB, they were greeted by the first sergeant, received a short briefing, issued a water assault weapon, and then proceeded to the next stage of their training. The training included how to properly wear a gas mask, learning about weapons from the 17 SFS, special techniques by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, moulage treatment from medical, language training from our linguists, how to properly board a naval vessel and fighting techniques from the Army. All of this training came together while on a mission; the squads came under fire by hostile enemies armed with water propelled grenades and water assault weapons. The squads were able to squash the ambush and arrived back safely to Camp Discovery. Upon arrival back to Goodfellow AFB, the veterans were greeted by cheers, waving flags and a "welcome home" party. After a traditional American lunch, all deployed members received a certificate, American flag and a "military brat "coin for heroism from Col. Thomas Geary, 17th Training Wing commander.
