Training together while physically distant: 302nd Communication Flight holds virtual training

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Tiffany Lundberg
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

Approximately 34 Reservists with the 302nd Communications Flight completed essential training virtually over the June unit training assembly using the Commercial Virtual Remote environment through Microsoft Teams. 

COVID-19 restrictions have made travel difficult and caused offices to reduce their personnel numbers, which challenges units when it comes to completing training and getting the overall mission done. The 302 CF used CVR to provide multiple training programs for its members across the country to complete without needing to physically be in the office.

“One of the unique benefits of conducting a virtual UTA is the opportunity for our members to tailor the training based on their individual needs,” said Maj. Eric Zymboly, 302 CF commander. “Instead of providing a briefing to the unit during a UTA that someone may have recently attended during in-processing or before leaving their previous unit, we allowed our members to very selectively choose items that were of greatest need and of the most interest to them.  We’re ultimately making more efficient use of their time, which is a win for them and the Air Force.”

Within CVR in Microsoft Teams, the members were able to record the training they completed by participating in meeting channels for their specific work centers. Some of the training programs were Cyber Quality Assurance Training for Electrostatic Discharge and Corrosion Control, skill level upgrade training and supervisor safety training.

“This platform allows easy connection, team security, website integration, and video chat capabilities. We had members working from laptops, tablets, and cell phones all across the country, which equated to a high level of organizational readiness,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Padilla, 302 CF client system technician. “I believe we set the bar high for training virtually and created a stronger organization in the process.”

CVR is a new platform available to all members of the 302nd Airlift Wing to be able to virtually connect and access documents.

“I think communications and cyber troops are uniquely positioned to work remotely since so many of them do so in their civilian jobs,” said Zymboly. “We created a curriculum and opportunities that allowed our distributed team to take full advantage of the tools and technologies our operators use daily. For many, the only difference is they’re logging into the Air Force network instead of a company’s network.”