In an effort to prepare for a range of missions, members of the Florida Air National Guard have headed north to Michigan for cold weather training.
The training, which is taking place at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in northern Michigan, is designed to teach members of the Florida Air National Guard how to operate in cold weather conditions. The program will include training on snowmobiles, cold weather survival, and winter driving techniques.
“This training will help our personnel be ready for anything, whether it’s a rescue mission during a snowstorm or a deployment to a cold weather environment.”
The Florida Air National Guard, which is based in Jacksonville, Florida, is made up of more than 9,000 members who serve in a variety of roles, including air traffic control, logistics, and intelligence. The Guard is responsible for protecting the skies over Florida and providing support during natural disasters and other emergencies.
This training in Michigan is just one of many training opportunities that members of the Florida Air National Guard participate in throughout the year. The Guard also conducts training exercises in other locations, including the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico.
“We take our training very seriously,” said Colonel Brian Laidlaw, the Commander of the 125th Fighter Wing, which is part of the Florida Air National Guard. “Our members are always striving to improve their skills and be ready for whatever comes our way.”
The cold weather training in Michigan is set to continue for several weeks, and members of the Florida Air National Guard will return to Florida once their training is complete.