JCSE members put to the test at Camp Blanding Published Oct. 11, 2012 By Nick Stubbs 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Ky is one tough course, which is why several members of the Joint Communications Support Element spent some time recently cramming for the demanding physical test. Fifteen members of the MacDill-based JCSE's 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sqaudrons traveled to Camp Blanding in Clay County, Florida to run through the obstacle course in preparation for Air Assault School, and 16 of their JCSE comrades joined them to challenge themselves. Capt. Ada Henandez, Foxtrot Troop commander, 2nd JCS, was there with some of her troops. "It went very well," she said, adding that the course was not only good prep for those heading to Air Assault School, but also a great test of skill and endurance for JCSE members who pride themselves on physical fitness and readiness for such challenges. The JCSE members had an ace in the hole among them: a member of the unit's Echo Troop who has been through the course, and who completed Air Assault School. "He demonstrated how to approach the obstacles and what you had to do," said Hernandez. "It was good experience to have on hand." The course consists of nine stages. Participants must complete at least seven stages, including the first two, which are mandatory. Climbing rope, belly crawling under wire and operating at extreme heights are among the challenges on the course, said Hernandez, and if a participant has a weakness, it "becomes apparent." "If you have a fear of heights, you find that out right away," she said. JCSE members dedicate a great deal of time to physical training, and that paid off at Camp Blanding, Hernandez said. "They are in good shape to start," she said. "(That's) absolutely important with something like this."