U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team, pose for a group photo during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. Blue Team took turns tracking down their teammates in the jungle using techniques they learned from Tactical Tracking Operations School instructors. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
Tommy Hatrick, Tactical Tracking Operations School instructor, gives tracking advice to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Nuñez, 607th Air Support Operations Group Joint Terminal Attack Controller, in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. TTOS provided hands-on and classroom training to sharpen the team’s tracking skills so they could apply it to their Air Force specialties. Nuñez and the 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Orth, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, crosses a waterway using a rope system during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team practiced crossing the waterway to test their capabilities in the jungle environment. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team, pose for a group photo during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. Blue Team took turns tracking down their teammates in the jungle using techniques they learned from Tactical Tracking Operations School instructors. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
Tommy Hatrick, Tactical Tracking Operations School instructor, gives tracking advice to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Nuñez, 607th Air Support Operations Group Joint Terminal Attack Controller, in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. TTOS provided hands-on and classroom training to sharpen the team’s tracking skills so they could apply it to their Air Force specialties. Nuñez and the 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Orth, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, crosses a waterway using a rope system during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team practiced crossing the waterway to test their capabilities in the jungle environment. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
The 38th Rescue Squadron’s Blue Team traveled to Wahiawa, Hawaii to conduct jungle warfare training, March 26 - April 10, 2022. Moody Air Force Base’s pararescuemen are special warfare operators charged with the responsibility of rescuing personnel all over the world. As such, it’s vital they familiarize themselves with all types of environments. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res In an effort to sharpen their capabilities in rescue operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region, Blue Team learned how to track personnel in the jungle. “The jungle is a very unforgiving environment,” said Lt. Col. Michael Vins, 38th RQS commander. “There are areas in the jungle where you can only travel 100 meters in an entire day. We need to be ready for that kind of environment by training there, understanding how to survive there, using different equipment … everything is so different, so we need to get used to that kind of environment to be effective in (Indo-Pacific Command).” Blue Team put their tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) to the test in a climate they had never experienced before by performing a series of training scenarios to include team vs team tracking and anti-tracking exercises. “Over the last 20 years, we've gotten really good at desert warfare with the war in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Staff Sgt. Evan Rogowski, 38th RQS Blue Team pararescueman. “With that kind of phasing away, and the new area of responsibility quickly becoming the INDOPACOM region, we're really having to take a step back from some of the older TTPs that seemed to work well in the desert and figure out how to adapt to this environment, which is way more difficult to operate in.”
Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Patterson, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team flight chief and pararescuemen, crosses a waterway using a rope system during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Rope crossing ensures special warfare Airmen are able to get to their destination effectively and efficiently. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, crosses a waterway with a rope in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Mellen tied the rope to a tree on the other side of the waterway so his teammates could cross with their equipment without submerging themselves in water. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force special warfare operators camp around a fire in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. Between training days, the 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescuemen and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to the 607th Air Support Operations Group camped out in the jungle to familiarize themselves with the environment. The overall purpose for the jungle warfare training was to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, identifies a potential trail during a tracking training exercise in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team tracked down personnel by identifying indicators such as footprints, toppled rocks and broken plants in the determined direction of travel. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Upon arriving in the jungle, the team set up an outpost to conduct operations. Over the duration of five days and four nights, they survived with only the rucks on their backs and the knowledge they gained as special warfare operators in the Air Force. Rogowski said one of the biggest challenges they faced was the weather. “It’s pretty unpredictable out here in the jungle,” Rogowski said. “It can be raining in the morning and then completely sunny in the afternoon, and back to rain. Outside of carrying the proper equipment, there’s not much we can do to control that.” The unique experience tested their ability to adapt in an unforgiving environment. To combat the risks associated with sleeping on the ground, the team slept in enclosed hammocks. Encounters with centipedes, spiders, steep inclines and thick foliage made it difficult to execute the mission. Despite the challenges, the team was able to effectively track their targets in the jungle. Using tactical formations and hand signals, they practiced combatting potential threats from simulated enemies and booby traps. “As highly trained special warfare operators, we’re always thinking about modern-day warfare and high-tech weapon systems, but something so primitive like grenades that roll out of bamboo if you kick the wrong stick over is enough to wipe us all out,” said Staff Sgt. Evan Orth, 38th RQS Blue Team pararescueman. “Getting this training makes us more aware of threats we would have never expected in this environment, which could be the difference in saving not only our lives but the life of the person we’re trying to locate on the ground.” Blue Team learned mostly through action, however instructors from the Tactical Tracking Operations School also provided an array of tips in a classroom setting before they ventured out into the jungle. “They’ll sleep in the field for four nights to give them an opportunity to live in the environment, assess their gear, work out the little kinks 'or whatnot' and make sure their sleeping systems are good,” said Pete Kerr, TTOS president and instructor. “The more time you spend out in the field, you start to hone those senses.” Kerr expressed the importance of attention to detail. Whether tracking an adversary or a missing ally, such as a downed pilot, being able to notice subtle disturbances in the terrain is crucial to finding a target. “What that's doing is programming the subconscious mind to pick up on these indicators,” Kerr said. TTOS provided detailed hands-on training enabling the special warfare operators to determine a person’s direction of travel and intent. “That footprint is going to explain a story to you,” Rogowski said. “Where that person went, what they did, how fast they were moving, where they’re going to, are they paranoid? And I think that's kind of hard to put into words unless you've actually been there.” Using the skills they learned during the training scenarios, the team was put to the test in a final two-day, one-night exercise. During the exercise, Blue Team tracked a simulated downed pilot while traversing the terrain undetected from potential danger. Once they retrieved the isolated personnel, the team made their way to an extraction point. After a sleepless 24 hours and hiking 6 km through grueling terrain, the team completed their mission. By the end of the two-week course, Blue Team gained the knowledge necessary to refine their TTPs for the unique jungle environment, thus enabling them to operate effectively in the Indo-Pacific region. “The culmination of this exercise validates the effectiveness the rescue teams will have in a contested jungle environment,” Rogowski said. “The lessons and skills learned here will further expand the way we operate in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. We’ll take these lessons and shape our TTPs for the future of special operations, personnel recovery, and combat search and rescue.”
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Patterson, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team flight chief and pararescuemen, crosses a waterway using a rope system during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Rope crossing ensures special warfare Airmen are able to get to their destination effectively and efficiently. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, crosses a waterway with a rope in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Mellen tied the rope to a tree on the other side of the waterway so his teammates could cross with their equipment without submerging themselves in water. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force special warfare operators camp around a fire in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. Between training days, the 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescuemen and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to the 607th Air Support Operations Group camped out in the jungle to familiarize themselves with the environment. The overall purpose for the jungle warfare training was to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, identifies a potential trail during a tracking training exercise in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team tracked down personnel by identifying indicators such as footprints, toppled rocks and broken plants in the determined direction of travel. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
. Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Galindo, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, crosses a waterway using a rope system during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Rope crossing ensures special warfare Airmen are able to get to their destination effectively and efficiently. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, right, holds down a rope while Tommy Hatrick, Tactical Tracking Operations School instructor, secures equipment with a knot during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team practiced crossing a waterway using a rope system connected between trees. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Orth, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, conducts a tracking training exercise in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team took turns tracking down their teammates in the jungle using techniques they learned from Tactical Tracking Operations School instructors. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Patterson, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team flight chief and pararescuemen, conducts jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. Blue Team utilized rifles with blank ammunition and smoke grenades to defend and conceal themselves from potential threats in the jungle. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Pete Kerr, Tactical Tracking Operations School president and instructor, provides tracking training for U.S. Air Force special warfare operators in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. TTOS gave the Airmen detailed information on reading tracks, how to anti-track, and how to identify booby traps in the jungle. The 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Derek Spinale, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, rappels down a rock face in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. In addition to rappelling, the 38th RQS Blue Team trained in tactical tracking, anti-tracking and jungle living. The overall purpose for the jungle warfare training was to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Derek Spinale, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, assembles a rappelling anchor to a tree in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. The 38th RQS Blue Team practiced rappelling using different rope system methods. The pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, hides in the jungle during tracking training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. The special warfare operators took turns tracking down their teammates in the dense environment. The 38th RQS Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Tommy Hatrick, Tactical Tracking Operations School instructor, right, carries U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Derek Spinale, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, across a dirt pit to demonstrate tracking techniques in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. TTOS taught the Air Force special warfare operators how footprints can indicate the weight of someone they’re tracking. The 38th RQS Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Galindo, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, sets up a rainfly over his hammock in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 28, 2022. Galindo and his teammates had to set up hammocks to keep away from centipedes, spiders and other dangerous fauna while they slept. The 38th RQS Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Pete Kerr, Tactical Tracking Operations School president, right, instructs a class of U.S. Air Force special warfare Airmen on jungle warfare in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 28, 2022. TTOS taught the Airmen about the jungle including the different types of fauna and flora they could encounter while operating in the environment. The 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment Pete Kerr, Tactical Tracking Operations School president, left, instructs a class of U.S. Air Force special warfare Airmen on jungle warfare in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 27, 2022. Kerr showed the class the equipment he brings with him to survive and live in the jungle environment. The 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 0 images | Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Galindo, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, crosses a waterway using a rope system during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Rope crossing ensures special warfare Airmen are able to get to their destination effectively and efficiently. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, right, holds down a rope while Tommy Hatrick, Tactical Tracking Operations School instructor, secures equipment with a knot during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team practiced crossing a waterway using a rope system connected between trees. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Orth, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, conducts a tracking training exercise in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team took turns tracking down their teammates in the jungle using techniques they learned from Tactical Tracking Operations School instructors. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Patterson, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team flight chief and pararescuemen, conducts jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. Blue Team utilized rifles with blank ammunition and smoke grenades to defend and conceal themselves from potential threats in the jungle. The 38th RQS trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
Pete Kerr, Tactical Tracking Operations School president and instructor, provides tracking training for U.S. Air Force special warfare operators in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. TTOS gave the Airmen detailed information on reading tracks, how to anti-track, and how to identify booby traps in the jungle. The 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Derek Spinale, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, rappels down a rock face in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. In addition to rappelling, the 38th RQS Blue Team trained in tactical tracking, anti-tracking and jungle living. The overall purpose for the jungle warfare training was to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Derek Spinale, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, assembles a rappelling anchor to a tree in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. The 38th RQS Blue Team practiced rappelling using different rope system methods. The pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, hides in the jungle during tracking training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. The special warfare operators took turns tracking down their teammates in the dense environment. The 38th RQS Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
Tommy Hatrick, Tactical Tracking Operations School instructor, right, carries U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Derek Spinale, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, across a dirt pit to demonstrate tracking techniques in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. TTOS taught the Air Force special warfare operators how footprints can indicate the weight of someone they’re tracking. The 38th RQS Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Galindo, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, sets up a rainfly over his hammock in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 28, 2022. Galindo and his teammates had to set up hammocks to keep away from centipedes, spiders and other dangerous fauna while they slept. The 38th RQS Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
Pete Kerr, Tactical Tracking Operations School president, right, instructs a class of U.S. Air Force special warfare Airmen on jungle warfare in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 28, 2022. TTOS taught the Airmen about the jungle including the different types of fauna and flora they could encounter while operating in the environment. The 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)
Pete Kerr, Tactical Tracking Operations School president, left, instructs a class of U.S. Air Force special warfare Airmen on jungle warfare in Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 27, 2022. Kerr showed the class the equipment he brings with him to survive and live in the jungle environment. The 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescuemen trained in jungle warfare to adapt personnel rescue tactics, techniques and procedures for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer)