NJ Wing Conducts Summer 2026 GSAR School at JBMDL
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (July 11, 2026) — Civil Air Patrol's New Jersey Wing recently held its Basic Ground Search & Rescue School (GSAR), Class 0626-S, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) and designated field training areas, preparing cadets and senior members for advanced ground operations and mission readiness.
The course, held as part of the Summer 2026 training cycle, is designed to qualify members as Ground Team Member 3 (GTM3), Ground Team Member 2 (GTM2), and Urban Direction Finding (UDF) specialists. Training emphasized both foundational and advanced search and rescue skills aligned with modern operational practices used across New Jersey and within Civil Air Patrol’s national emergency services framework.
The school was coordinated by Maj. Britton Williams, activity director, with Lt. Col. Bob Jennings serving as incident commander, providing mission support and ensuring the smooth execution of the training from the Incident Command System (ICS) perspective, including coordination with aircrews during the Field Training Exercise (FTX). Lt. Col. Israel Thompson served as curriculum director and lead instructor, bringing 40 years of service to the GSAR School throughout his Civil Air Patrol career. The multi-day training event combined classroom instruction, hands-on field exercises, and a culminating two-day, one-night FTX. The exercise simulated real-world mission conditions, challenging students to apply learned skills in a dynamic operational environment.
“Training like this is essential because it prepares our members not just for qualification, but for real missions that directly support and protect communities across New Jersey,” said Jennings, Search & Rescue Officer. “Every skill mastered here strengthens our ability to respond quickly and effectively when our neighbors need us most.”
Sen. Raj Mukherji also participated in the GSAR training activities, engaging with members of the course and observing field training operations firsthand.
Training took place both in garrison at JBMDL and in field environments, allowing students to develop proficiency in land navigation, search operations, clue awareness and tracking fundamentals, mission base operations, direction finding, field craft, team operations, and mission execution.
A key focus of the 2026 curriculum is alignment with New Jersey Field Team Member 2 (FTM2) standards utilized by the State of New Jersey. This integration strengthens interoperability between Civil Air Patrol ground teams and state search and rescue partners, ensuring members are trained to operate effectively in joint mission environments.
Students who meet all applicable prerequisites may have the opportunity to complete portions of, or fully qualify for, FTM2 certification during the course, further enhancing their readiness for coordinated emergency response operations. Bryan Enberg, New Jersey's State Search and Rescue Coordinator, observed the second day of the FTX and evaluated students on portions of their FTM2 qualification requirements.
To maximize field training time, students were required to complete pre-course familiarization materials and administrative requirements prior to arrival. All participants in Class 0626-S were required to complete GTM3 preparatory training requirements before reporting to the school.
During in-processing or throughout the course, students were able to complete select requirements as needed, including GTM3 task validations, ICUT practical evaluations, and First Aid certification. Capt. Charles Rehkopf, the school's Health Services Officer, led the First Aid and CPR training and offered a Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR course, a new requirement for members pursuing the state's FTM2 qualification. Students requiring First Aid training were offered the option to register for an additional, fee-based course conducted in conjunction with the school.
Students who successfully completed all required prerequisites outside of the school, met applicable state requirements, and earned Ground Team Member 3 (GTM3), Ground Team Member 2 (GTM2) and Urban Direction Finding (UDF) qualifications, as well as the Senior Ground Team Badge, included 2d Lt. Justin Wellik, C/CMSgt. Sriteja Thodima, C/Capt. Aadam Jalal, C/SSgt. Nicholas McDermott and Capt. Joseph Podesta.
The New Jersey Wing Ground Search and Rescue School continues to play a vital role in developing highly trained emergency services personnel capable of supporting Civil Air Patrol missions, including search and rescue operations in coordination with state and federal partners.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
-30-
For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
