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# Welcome to the jungle: Special warfare Airmen acclimate to Indo-Pacific environment 

              - Published  April 12, 2022
              -                             By Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer                                                    
              - 23rd Wing Public Affairs

**WAHIAWA, Hawaii (AFNS) --  **

Special warfare operators trek up a hill during jungle warfare training in Wahiawa, Hawaii, April 1, 2022. Blue Team trekked through various obstacles to include tall grass, thick ferns and waterways to make it to their objectives. 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)
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The 38th Rescue Squadron’s Blue Team traveled to Hawaii to conduct jungle warfare training, March 26 - April 10.**Moody Air Force Base**’s pararescuemen are special warfare operators charged with the responsibility of rescuing personnel all around the world. As such, it’s vital they familiarize themselves with all types of environments.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.
Master Sgt. Craig Patterson, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team flight chief and pararescuemen, 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)
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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)
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Special warfare operators conduct tracking training in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 31, 2022. The Airmen learned how to live in the jungle long enough to complete rescue objectives. The 38th Rescue Squadron 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)
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Staff Sgt. Evan Orth, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, conducts tracking training in the jungle of 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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.
Senior Airman Jon Mellen, 38th Rescue Squadron Blue Team pararescueman, climbs a tree to secure a tarp over a campsite in the jungle of Wahiawa, Hawaii, March 29, 2022. Pararescuemen must familiarize themselves with various environments and climates to ensure successful rescue operations all over the world. 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)
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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)
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LRUSAFAFAir Force38th Rescue Squadron38th RQSHawaiireadinesstrainingjungleINDOPACOMIndo-Pacific RegionsimulationmissionttpTactics Techniques and Proceduresresiliencepararescumenspecial warfare operatorssearch and rescue