Training Work Shifts? What Works The Best? 1 Shift Vs 2, 24 Hour Ops, Or Improvised(Other)?

SGT(P) Landon Mintz — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:31:27 -0400

What works the best? Which raises team moral the most? Which is logistically the most efficient?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 11:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:39:25 -0400

If you stack two different crews based on experience levels and not who I would rather hang with and rotate personnel properly bi weekly 24hrs could work flight battalions could benefit (in my opinion) cause there are night flights. I worked in an asb we had no acft and worked 24hrs ops with minimal personnel so it was very bad for morale but you always have to keep in the back of your mind as aviation we train as we fight every day. 1 shift is okay but what's gonna get you ready for the struggle I'm not saying it has to be that way your whole time I'm garrison but when are you gonna get the feel and know what the flow feels like and remember this is just my opinion

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 3:47 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 03:47:58 -0400

I did 3-10hr shifts for my crewchiefs. The shifts overlapped for 2 hours at every changeover for continuity and to put additional personnel available for launch and recovery times for the aircraft.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 8:02 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 08:02:13 -0400

I'm hard core against 24 hours shifts or watches unless in combat or in the act of desperation, then anything goes. In non-combat environment no-sleep 24 hours are just plain dangerous. Common sense would dictate that. Why are they still in practice? Beyond me. I'd fight far and wide to put an end to them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 8:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 08:18:44 -0400

I think 8-12 hour shifts are better. After 12 hours on many shifts, CQ/Staff Duty/ Roaming Guard/ Gate Guard, many can become complacent if there are few opportunities and ways to move around, stay active, or change focus.