Training makes LRS mission ready

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
The 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron manages the vehicle fleet as well as the supply and logistics planning for the 90th Missile Wing.

In order to prepare Airmen to accomplish the wing's mission, instructors from the 90th LRS conduct task qualification training for all new Airmen. Upon completion of all their tasks, Airmen are promoted from the apprentice training level to the journeyman training level.

"This is the first base for many of the Airmen we receive here," said Staff Sgt. Charlesa Spann, 90th LRS vehicle maintenance training manager and technical order distribution officer. "We work to prepare them for different scenarios they may encounter while working in a shop."

Instructors conduct training in each of the four duty sections of the squadron: the body shop, the high bay, the field and mobile unit and the vehicle and equipment shop.

"Each shop has different skills and challenges Airmen may face," Spann said. "It takes about 15 months for them to get trained and cleared on everything."

The first stop for most new Airmen is the vehicle and equipment shop where Bob Porth, 90th LRS heavy mobile vehicle equipment mechanic, trains them on Humvee maintenance.

"We are constantly training the Airmen here," he said. "There is always something new we can teach them. By the time we have them fully trained, they are moved to a new section to learn more."

Porth has been working in the vehicle and equipment shop since 1999. Spann said that Porth has become the "Humvee-guru," with knowledge to spare for new Airmen.

"If there is a problem with any Humvee, it's almost a guarantee Porth knows how to fix it," she said.

When Airmen train with Porth, he spends time building on what they learned in technical training.

"Everything we do is hands-on," said Airman 1st Class Jason Barth-Heckler, 90th LRS vehicle mechanic. "The trainers give you guidelines or instructions and you do it. If I get stuck, I go to Bob and he comes and shows me how to do it right."

Porth said the training is repetitive, but allows Airmen to practice and hone their skills.

The Airmen who complete their training will receive their Journeyman training level and will continue to learn from trainers such as Porth and Spann.