HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Two Airmen from the 66th Security Forces Squadron here recently graduated from the U.S. Army’s Air Assault Course, commonly referred to as the Army’s “10 toughest days.”
Senior Airman Karter Capps and Airman Layne Jackson, both entry controllers, were the first to represent Hanscom AFB at the course.
“Being the first to attend means we got to lay the groundwork for others to attend after us,” said Capps.
The Army Air Assault School trains attendees on techniques and procedures for missions involving rotary-wing aircraft. Topics include aircraft safety, aeromedical evacuation procedures, pathfinder operations, principles and techniques of combat assaults, rappelling techniques, and sling-load operations.
Before attending the course, Capps and Jackson first had to go through an assessment and selection process to help ensure they were able to succeed.
Master Sgt. Meldion Shehu, 66 SFS flight chief and a course graduate, led the assessment and selection. He tested the defenders under Army physical fitness standards while introducing stressors similar to those experienced at the course.
“All the push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks, and running tie into the stress induced by physical exertion,” said Shehu. “It also builds resilience; the resilience to get through the course as a team since they are all experiencing the same thing together.”
Four Airmen competed for two available slots at Fort Drum, New York, which began May 28. Capps and Jackson were ultimately selected.
Reflecting on the experience, Capps emphasized the mental aspect of the course.
“Mentally, it was a difficult course,” said Capps.” It’s a firehose of information that you learn and have to apply within a day or two.”
Jackson echoed that sentiment.
“You have to study every night to make sure you know the new information, because safety can be at risk if you don’t,” he said.
When asked to discuss takeaways from the course, Jackson said he is excited to train and mentor other Airmen interested in attending.
“The goal now is to train other Airmen,” said Jackson. “We want to put as many people through Air Assault as we can, and we can help them get there.”
Capps noted how the training will enhance future deployments with the Army.
“It helps give us a common ground and credibility with the Army,” said Capps. “Then, when we’re needed to work with them, we’ll be able to integrate in a way other Airmen can’t.”
Shehu has seen firsthand how this training applies in deployed environments.
“As security forces Airmen, we are responsible for air base defense, which includes any aircraft deployed to our location,” he said.
“I’ve found we increasingly must conduct joint operations with the Army and work with rotary wing aircraft. That’s where air assault training comes into play.”
Shehu emphasized the value of Airmen attending sister-service training as the Air Force transitions to the Air Force Force Generation deployment model, where all Airman is expected to contribute to base operations.
“Every Aiman needs to be a multi-capable asset. We don’t have just one job when we deploy,” said Shehu. “We are all warfighters at the end of the day.”
He added that attending courses like Air Assault develops Airmen both tactically and professionally. It helps them operate in unfamiliar, dynamic environments while strengthening joint force integration.
Capps and Jackson join a growing number of Hanscom AFB Airmen attending sister-service courses to broaden their skill sets, enhance lethality, and strengthen joint interoperability.
From January to April 2025, a Hanscom AFB acquisitions officer graduated from the Army’s Ranger Course and two others graduated from the Army’s Mountain Warfare School.
The next assessment and selection for Air Assault School will take place Aug. 5 and is open to any Hanscom AFB Airmen serious about attending.
To learn more about the upcoming assessment and selection, email Shehu at meldion.shehu@us.af.mil.
For more on the Army’s Air Assault Course, visit Air Assault Course :: Fort Drum.