Global Engagement

From USAFA Folklore

Global Engagement (GE) is a summer military training program held in Jack's Valley between the fourth and third class years where cadets learn aspects of deployed base operations, including base services, engineering, and air base defense. It was started with a pilot group of cadets from the Class of 2001. The program was put into full production for the Class of 2002.

The area of Jack's Valley just south of CATM becomes "Al Usafa Air Base" for this simulated deployment. During the first few days cadets stay in the dorms and go out to Jack's Valley by bus for the day. They get up early one morning, and go through a mock deployment line. They are then taken to Jack's Valley where they set up a tent city where they stay for 6 days complete with deployable kitchen, bathrooms, and lighting for the tents. Each day they practice the skills in each of the three deployed base operations categories outlined above.

Time with Services consists of cooking and mortuary affairs. During the CE portion Cadets learn how to build a rough airfield, sweep for UXO, and use MOPP Gear and are teargassed. With SF they learn basic base defense, patrolling, and convoy procedures. Real Air Force personel serve as instructors and provide a glimpse into the enlisted culture of each career field. For this reason, many refer to the program as "enlisted appreciation camp."

The program culminates with "Exercise Day," in which the mock deployed base is under attack. Cadets use the things they learned thoughout the week to defend the base, sweep for UXO, and collect casualties.

British Royal Air Force Cadets participate both as students and cadre with USAFA cadets for the program. After completing the program one summer, they may return as cadre the next year.