MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Rookies from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a break from training to visit MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 10, 2016. The visit, which included a trip to various points of interest around base, provided the players with insight to the military community and mission on MacDill.
The team began the day with a demonstration from Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) specialists. There, Tech. Sgt. Roger Braun and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Heard, SERE specialists, explained and demonstrated a variety of survival and combative tactics. The rookies received the opportunity to test equipment, learn basic survival skills and sample food rations.
During the tour, the team also visited the parachute riggers. With the help of Staff Sgt. Robert Little, Military Free-Fall section sergeant at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), players tested their airborne skills with virtual reality goggles, which simulated a real jump and landing.
The team concluded their visit with a tour and briefing at U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). The rookies said they enjoyed meeting USCENTCOM leadership and learning about the command’s essential role and strategic priorities.
The Buccaneers’ recent visit is one of many in past years. The team’s relationship with Team MacDill is part of an ongoing effort to bolster community relations and highlight the base’s robust military community and mission.