PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.- -- .- Reservists with the 39th Aerial Port Squadron continue to complete vehicle training for pre-deployment training at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, despite COVID-19 restrictions.
While the 2.5 week course might sound simple, it involves 50 hours of on-the-job training in both a 29-passenger and 44-passenger bus.
In order to be certified and have the bus endorsement on their military driver’s license, the reserve member must take two written tests; an air break and a general knowledge test. If the reservist scores over an 80%, they move on to a vehicle inspection walk around.
The inspection test includes over 100 points that the reservist will have to identify and check for safety on the 44-passenger bus. They need to identify critical safety equipment and operations, engine components, operational fluid levels and basic checks of lights, windows and gauges, said Master Sgt. Roy Wunderlich, lead instructor for the training.
If the member passes the vehicle inspection, they then move on to the skills test. They will perform backing up straight, turning from the driver side and the right or blind side into a cone alley, and parallel parking.
The final test is the ‘over the road’ driving test, where the reservist will drive the bus through the city and on the highway. They will be tested on proper procedures for railroad crossings and a simulated road side emergency.
When deployed, the reservists will not only be transporting people to and from military aircraft, they will be running the airport passenger operations as well.
A reservist that is assigned as a passenger service rep will be taking care of people who are flying on military aircraft as well as driving buses. Some might also have multiple responsibilities with fleet requirements servicing the aircraft, said Master Sgt. Christopher Meyer, the 39 APS Air Reserve Technician superintendent.
Even though COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, the reservists were able to meet readiness requirements with this pre-deployment training by wearing masks when they are in close proximity to each other.