JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a forklift training
course in the style of the multi-capable Airmen (MCA) initiative, June 1-3, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
During the three-day course, students first attended two hours of classroom teaching. The rest of the
instruction was through hands-on training, covering how to drive a variety of forklifts, how to direct the
driver of the forklift, as well as driving and directing in mission oriented protective posture gear.
“This is our very first course, and it’s designed to be cradle to grave for somebody with zero experience
and zero time on the wheel,” said Master Sgt. Michael Imler, 628th LRS Ground Transportation section
chief.
The training compliments MCA, an initiative designed to teach Airmen basic skills that are outside of
their normal jobs to better equip them while they are deployed.
“Our career field isn’t currently a part of the MCA model, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help and
contribute to it,” said Imler. “We are extending out our expertise to the installation.”
The purpose of the training is to maximize efficiency among units to complete the mission at hand.
Forklift driving is an invaluable tool that enables Joint Base Charleston to quickly mobilize and load C-17
Globemaster III at will.
“This really helps benefit the installation by getting that qualification and certification to the breadth of
the base so that everybody will be able to pitch in whenever it’s needed,” said Master Sgt. Joshua Hall,
437th Operations Support Squadron Aircraft Operation section chief.
The students that graduate the course are completely certified to drive a variety of forklifts, which will
also be reflected on their license.
“We’ve created this class to help the installation to get qualified and to ensure we’re putting competent
and confident drivers behind the wheel,” said Imler.
The 628th LRS plans to keep their MCA-like training available for the foreseeable future with classes
twice a month to keep Joint Base Charleston ready at a moment’s notice.