Illinois National Guard Soldier Takes Serving to New Heights

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AURORA, IL (02/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Leaving for Air Assault School in the middle of winter may not sound like an ideal experience, but it's just the kind of challenge Pfc. Aendri Decker of Aurora enjoys.

Assigned to Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Calvary Regiment in Aurora, Decker enlisted into the Illinois Army National Guard in 2011 and has served as a police officer working in his community since 2009.

"Being a police officer reminds me of the military," Decker said. "It's rewarding and there's a lot of freedom in it."

Decker graduated Initial Entry Training or Basic Training as the distinguished honor graduate and achieved a score of 280 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). These accomplishments made him eligible to attend Air Assault School through a new program for Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers. He attended class Air Assault class 004-12 on Jan. 30 and graduated Feb. 10.

"When I first learned there was a chance I could attend Air Assault School, I was ecstatic. I did all I could to make sure I could attend," said Decker. "My first thoughts were about how amazing it would be to learn how to repel out of helicopters. As I learned a little bit more about all the different parts of the school, I thought that it was going to be a great opportunity to learn some practical skills for a deployment."

Decker was chosen because he has exceeded the standards.

"Pfc. Decker met all the criteria for air assault training – a superior APFT score, distinguished honor graduate, the ability to complete an obstacle course and finish a 12-mile road march in three hours or less," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Patchett of Oaklawn, Troop C training non commissioned officer-in-charge. "He was chosen because he demonstrates proficiency and enthusiasm in everything he does. He has also been selected to be moved to the troop's sniper section."

Held at the National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga., Air Assault School is a 10-day course starting with Day Zero followed by three phases of rigorous training.

Day Zero includes a physical fitness test and obstacle course designed to assess a Soldier's upper body strength, agility, endurance, confidence and ability to perform at heights without displaying fear or distress. These tests are critical in determining if students will be able to complete Air Assault School without becoming a safety risk during the demanding training.

In the remaining three phases, Soldiers are trained on the various types of missions performed by rotary wing aircraft including aero-medical evacuation procedures, aircraft safety, principles and techniques of combat assaults, rappelling techniques, and sling-load operations.

"It was a great experience – it really matched my expectations," said Decker. "It was both mentally and physically challenging. It was fast paced, but I didn't let up. The obstacle courses and physical training definitely tested my limits."

Out of 302 students in Decker's class, only 191 successfully completed the air assault training.

"I can't think of any better opportunity than to get this training," Decker said. "Being familiar with air assault techniques and sling load procedures will help my fellow Soldiers, especially if I become a helicopter pilot. This school will only help to make me a more intelligent, experienced and better Soldier."

Photo 1: Photo submitted by Lightning Graphics, Columbus, Ga./ Pfc. Aendri Decker of Aurora practices the "three breaks" repelling drill at Air Assault School held at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga.

Photo 2: U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Ammon Blair, National Guard Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning Ga. / Soldiers from Air Assault class 004-12 performing the "falling drill" on a 64 foot tall tower during Air Assault School on Jan, 12, held at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga.

Photo 3: U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Scott Boston, National Guard Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning Ga./ A student from Air Assault class 004-12 struggles with the "Low Belly Over" obstacle - one of nine obstacles Soldiers are required to negotiate during Day Zero of Air Assault School held at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga.