July 16, 2024
And reaping rewards
Our 2024 Summer Interns at the Adaptive Experimentation Facility (AEF) at Fort Andrew in Lizemores, WV, are literally learning the ropes as part of their summer employment. The team of 26 learned about rope rescue missions and safety in a two-week course as they completed a Basic Ropes Certification.
Over two weeks, interns completed CPR training and participated in hands-on lessons on various topics, including belay systems, medical evaluations, evacuations, and more. Under the guidance of CMI2’s experienced instructors Adam Landers, Eric Thomas, Jeremy Higginbotham, and Dr. Ayne Amjad, the interns learned how to use basic rope systems safely in the wilderness.
On July 11, the interns’ training culminated in a hands-on, practical application in a real-world setting for ascending and descending and basic patience rescue within the austere environment of AEF property. The final exercise allowed student interns to apply their knowledge throughout the wilderness.
The variety of activities began early Thursday morning as the team made their way to the site. They initiated the first practical application task by ascending and descending a forty-foot rock face.
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Once this was complete and everyone had completed the first step, the team broke for lunch, which was prepared by the AEF staff.
After lunch, the team moved several hundred yards to another section of the property and a new rock face, where they supported rope rescue for two CPR dummies, aptly named ‘Betsy’ and ‘Patsy.’ One group tested in a small crevice rescuing Betsy, while the other worked on a vertical approach saving Patsy.
After the tests were complete, the students were rewarded with a cookout and movie night. They watched the 1985 classic film The Goonies and played flashlight tag.
PHOTO GALLERY
Leadership inspiration
At the end of the week, the team enjoyed another installment of the weekly Friday Forum leadership session featuring COL Mitch Kusmier, a vice president at CMI2 and a colonel in the Army Reserve.
During his remarks, Mitch encouraged the 2024 AEF intern class to find their motivation.
“Don’t follow the crowd,” Mitch said. “Define your values. Find your discipline, and it will make all the difference. For me, it was Freedom, Faith, and Army Values, and it has been throughout my life. I can’t tell you your values. You have to define that for yourself.”
As he closed his remarks, Mitch welcomed representatives of the West Virginia National Guard’s Army Interagency Training and Education Center (AITEC) to present Eric Thomas with special recognition for his service to the organization. Eric left his full-time position earlier this year to become CMI2’s Adaptive Threat Manager after several years of service of faithful service.
Over the final three weeks, the team of AEF interns will continue their experience, earning additional certifications and leadership skills.
Communications Assets:
- Photography Credits: Alyssa Gregg, CMI2 Communications & Earle Boggs, CMI2 Communications Specialist-In Training
- Videography Credits: Earle Boggs, CMI2 Communications Specialist-In Training
- Contributing Authors: Mason Deel, CMI2 Communications Intern
