53rd APS conducts mass training Published July 21, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Jeff Kelly 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C -- “With regard to excellence, it is not enough to know, but we must try to have and use it.” These words spoken by Aristotle nearly 3,000 years ago still ring true today, and the Airmen of the 53rd Aerial Port Squadron know it. The 53rd APS recently held a mass ancillary training weekend at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., so their Airmen could hone and sharpen the various skills needed to maintain the highest possible standards of excellence. The practice of mass training provides many benefits other forms of training can not offer. “I like the idea of block training for many reasons,” said Capt. Tracy Whitt, 53rd APS. “It leaves more time for the rest of the UTAs for us to focus on uninterrupted aerial port training. It’s easier to manage everyone’s expirations of events, and it streamlines our training updates into RAPDS.” “The reason I think the mass ancillary training is good for the 53rd Aerial Port Squadron is because it not only gives us the required training we need but it also allows us to be ready at a moments notice to perform our jobs in getting supplies and equipment anywhere in the world at anytime,” added Staff Sgt. Tracy Cornett, 53rd APS. The ancillary training the 53rd APS participated in included: · Self aid and buddy care · Explosives safety/reconnaissance · M-16 qualification · Personal security · Chemical warfare refresher · Law of armed conflict · Mobility records review · Supervisor safety training The training has done its part in helping the 53rd continue to excel. “This ancillary training enhances our abilities to perform our local mission at Pope to expedite the deployment of the 82nd Airborne in support of worldwide contingencies,” said Maj. Jack Gibson, 53rd APS commander. “Although we have several different sections within our unit, we always work as a team,” added Sergeant Cornett. “We have the leadership in place that supports our mission and believes in us. “We also have a proven track record over the last several years that proves who we are and what we can do.”