And during a mission in Iraq, the Mahdi Militia captured and scheduled for execution one of Bracco’s current SERE instructors and his team leader. “They went through everything we teach in the detention portion of SERE instruction,” Bracco says. “They realized they needed to take action in order to stay alive, and much like Nick Rowe did 40 years earlier in Vietnam, they got their execution delayed a couple of times.” American forces recovered both men.
“Surviving an isolating event such as captivity is the centerpiece of [SERE instruction],” says Meehan. “We give students experiential training that allows them to have a reference point for the very high stress of captivity and gives them the ability to function so they don’t make mistakes that could cause undue suffering. They understand how to survive captivity and work through problems. Everything else we teach supports that aspect of the training.”
Indeed, SERE instruction can be a lifesaver, but it also has value off the battlefield. “If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be preparation,” says Bracco. “SERE instruction teaches you how to prepare for the chance that anything might happen.”
“We want SERE training to be a life-changing event,” says Meehan, “and it really turns out to be that in a very positive way because it shows you what you’re capable of doing and that you have much more to give. Personally, it gave me the confidence to know that if I am in captivity or alone in the woods, I can get this done.”
MO
— Don Vaughan writes for Pages of History, page 71. His last feature article for Military Officer was “Diving Pioneers,” July 2012.
ONE FINE DAY AT CAMP MACKALL
Almost every aspect of SERE instruction is necessarily classified because DoD doesn’t want to tip its hand to the enemy. But on a warm, sunny day in May, observers were invited to watch some unclassified portions of Army SERE instruction, barrier negotiation training and helicopter extraction at Camp Mackall, N.C.
“Fix your collar!” hollered instructors at a group of students that included Special Forces candidates, soldiers from various Army units, and even a few cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The instruction was necessary to prevent a painful neck burn as the students rope-rappelled down an imposing 16-foot concrete wall.
Students then received instruction in climbing various types of ladders, using a length of rope to shimmy up a tall pole, and traversing a variety of obstacles — skills that will come in handy in an urban environment.
From there, the students were transported by van to nearby Mackall Army Airfield for a helicopter extraction exercise. As a Black Hawk helicopter idled its engines nearby, the students received instruction on what was to come. Then, in groups of six, the men and women were hooked to a long length of rope (above) and, with thumbs up, hoisted into the sky beneath the Black Hawk for a brief flight over Camp Mackall before returning and giving up their position to the next group.
For safety, the helicopter remained on the ground as the students were connected to the rope. During a real-life extraction, the chopper would hover until the soldiers were secured, then ferry them away.
“It’s an extreme rush,” acknowledged a student who identified himself only as Captain Henry. “But beyond the adrenaline, there is a deeper meaning, which is individuals pushing through the fear and being able to focus on the mission.”
DECEMBER 2012 MILITARY OFFICER 55
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