SERE training at MacDill provides skills to survive Published May 25, 2011 By Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt Editor MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In the military, training can teach most things, but it can't teach the will to survive. That is something contained deep inside, says Staff Sgt. Patrick Ray, the non-commissioned officer who heads up Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape training at MacDill Air Force Base. SERE is essential training for military members who fly or otherwise may find themselves above or in enemy territory. The 6th Air Mobility Wing SERE unit provides preservation training not only for Airmen, but all branches of the military at MacDill. The course is open to any military member who believes their job puts them at risk of capture or otherwise places them in a survival situation. "It's an open course, and I'm trying to get the word out," said Sergeant Ray, who said he's trained members of the Wing, U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command Central and the Joint Communications Support Element among others. Sergeant Ray's shop provides five major courses, covering everything from desert, jungle and water survival, to evading capture and escape if captured. In cases of servicemembers or units being deployed, specialized classes focusing on the nature and tactics of the enemy in the theater to which they are deploying are custom tailored. While much of how a survival situation plays out is determined by the psychological makeup of the individual, having the skills and knowledge of how the military treats captured or stranded members can make all the difference in the outcome of a bad situation, said Sergeant Ray. "One of the most important things anyone needs to know is that the U.S. military does not give up until you are found," said Sergeant Ray. "If you know and understand America's dedication to get you back, your will increases." Of all survival situations, perhaps none is more perilous than being stranded in the open ocean, said Sergeant Ray. "You are limited to only the man-made materials you have," he said. "There is nothing in the environment you can use to help you survive; if it isn't on your body, you don't have it." While desert survival is important in today's conflicts, jungle survival remains a focus, as servicemembers must be prepared to deploy to any environment. Likewise, the SERE unit at MacDill must be ready to deploy anywhere - and in a hurry. "We are part of the Guardian Angel Weapons System," said Sergeant Ray, under whose umbrella also are pararescue units and combat rescue officers. When a servicemember is lost or captured, Sergeant Ray is equipped to respond on site to assist with the search, rescue and reintegration of the military member. With training always in mind, these rescue missions are video taped and audio tapes are made for analysis and possible inclusions in future SERE training classes. "We are here; we have a lot of capability, and we're here for anyone who has a need for us," said Sergeant Ray.