Looking for suggestions on starting up a ground team from scratch.

[Bullitt]

I am a new Senior Member and belong to a squadron which currently does not have a Ground Search and Rescue Team. I'm interested in learning from anyone else who has started up a program of their own or simply knows what it takes to get one going.

[lordmonar]

Step one:  Secure training/instructor.
Step two:  Gather team gear.
Step Three:  Come up with a training plan.
Step Four:  Coordinate with group/wing level panners so that your team/trainees can be intergrated with group/wing training and operations.
Step Five: Train, Train, Train........and Train!
Step Six: Develope a sustainment training plan.  Now that you got your five man team...what are you going to do when one of them quits?


The biggest hurdles are going to be steps one and four.

Finding a qualified instructor or getting to training cross state may be difficult.  And once you have trained your team getting anyone to include them in the operations may be a challenge.

Good luck.

[ol'fido]

May I suggest that you find an old, grizzled, steely eyed Ground Team guy. The kind with a lot of miles on his boots. The kind that still wears a plain old LBE. The kind whose BDUs are a bit faded. The kind whose CAPID starts with a 1XXXXXX. The kind that ain't been to NBB, HMRS, or NESA. The kind that talks low, talks slow, and don't talk too much(Thank you, Duke). IOW, the kind that is really competent and actually knows what he's talking about.

Go do your sign offs and tasks with an approved SET and then let that ^^^ guy teach you all the other things you need to know that ain't in the friggin' task guide.

[Walkman]

May I suggest that you find an old, grizzled, steely eyed Ground Team guy. The kind with a lot of miles on his boots. The kind that still wears a plain old LBE. The kind whose BDUs are a bit faded. The kind whose CAPID starts with a 1XXXXXX. The kind that ain't been to NBB, HMRS, or NESA. The kind that talks low, talks slow, and don't talk too much(Thank you, Duke). IOW, the kind that is really competent and actually knows what he's talking about.

Go do your sign offs and tasks with an approved SET and then let that ^^^ guy teach you all the other things you need to know that ain't in the friggin' task guide.

I hope I can be that kind of guy when I'm grizzled.

[Private Investigator]

May I suggest that you find an old, grizzled, steely eyed Ground Team guy.

That guy, we humor him a lot.   

[Private Investigator]

I am a new Senior Member and belong to a squadron which currently does not have a Ground Search and Rescue Team. I'm interested in learning from anyone else who has started up a program of their own or simply knows what it takes to get one going.

Are you a Cadet, Composite or Senior Squadron? And why do they do not have a GT?

It is best to do joint training with a Unit that has a GT.

[davedove]

It is best to do joint training with a Unit that has a GT.

I second that suggestion.  Look around for nearby units and see which ones have an active ground team.  Once you find one, become their best friends and join in with their training as you develop your own program.  Later, you can return the favor.

[Bullitt]

Thank you.

Step one:  Secure training/instructor.
Step two:  Gather team gear.
Step Three:  Come up with a training plan.
Step Four:  Coordinate with group/wing level panners so that your team/trainees can be intergrated with group/wing training and operations.
Step Five: Train, Train, Train........and Train!
Step Six: Develope a sustainment training plan.  Now that you got your five man team...what are you going to do when one of them quits?


The biggest hurdles are going to be steps one and four.

Finding a qualified instructor or getting to training cross state may be difficult.  And once you have trained your team getting anyone to include them in the operations may be a challenge.

Good luck.

[Bullitt]

We are a Composite Squadron which has been in existence since the 60's. I think a lot has to do with the fact that starting up a team, maintaining it, and commiting has been an issue for many; especially those with demanding careers.

I am a new Senior Member and belong to a squadron which currently does not have a Ground Search and Rescue Team. I'm interested in learning from anyone else who has started up a program of their own or simply knows what it takes to get one going.

Are you a Cadet, Composite or Senior Squadron? And why do they do not have a GT?

It is best to do joint training with a Unit that has a GT.