During February, Class 4 finalized their 2.3 training with several complex scenarios while the Chazak Rescue team began preparations for deployments into Kenya and Ukraine.
Class 4 | Chazak Academy
One of the main focuses during the final month of Training Segment 2.3 was learning how to teach well. As part of that effort, the class completed a joint training block with JAARS (Jungle Aviation And Relay Service) that centered on practical skill exchange.
JAARS’ team walked us through dirt bike maintenance and riding. In many of the regions we enter, motorbikes are the only reliable transportation. Mechanical competence and confident riding are not optional. They can determine whether a team can reach a village and whether they can exit safely.
After that, we led their personnel through medical and security training. This began with classroom instruction and then moved into structured medical scenarios, casualty care under stress, and humanitarian convoy operations with an emphasis on spacing, communication, and threat awareness.
We are very grateful for this partnership. Both teams bring something real to the table. We value the chance to train with people who operate in difficult environments with a high level of professionalism and who are committed to sharpening their skills before they need them.
📸 Caleb Pepper, Michael P. Nelson, Chazak Staff & Cadets
Another portion of the February training focused on refreshing water skills and orienteering. The team spent several days working through water based training and exercises. They began with hands on instruction in outboard motor maintenance, learning how these engines function, how to troubleshoot common failures, and how to keep small craft operational in field conditions where outside support is limited.
From there, the team moved into applied navigation work in Virginia. Using boat based movement on open water with a complex shoreline, they conducted orienteering exercises that required coordination and careful planning.
We’re grateful to Mr. Ryan for leading this training.
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The class wrapped up Training Segment 2.3 at the end of the month in a scenario as a remote Search and Rescue team. After practicing the basic principles of being a first responder and “hurrying up and waiting,” the team found themselves in a full mass casualty scenario.
Cadet Defenders had to assess and treat multiple patients while the scene kept developing around them. The team coordinated triage across rough terrain, quickly moving through hemorrhage control and rapid patient assessment, then tackling airway management, stabilization, and casualty evacuation. Our volunteer actors committed fully to the scenario and helped create conditions that were chaotic and unpredictable.
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Chazak Rescue Updates
While the Defender class continued their training, the Guardian team spent much of January preparing for two upcoming deployments: Project Acacia in Kenya and Project Nightingale 2.0 in Ukraine.
The Project Acacia team, which consisted of two Guardians and an attaché, departed in late February. Here is what our attaché had to say, just a few days into the deployment:
“Our team has spent the last two days doing some intensive training for Kenyans who desire high character and high skills to reach fellow Africans. Pastors Network International has been an excellent partner! As monkeys jump past our windows and fans circulate the hot Kenyan air we dive deep into medical response skills. How do we respond to extreme bleeding? What do we prioritize when there are multiple needs? How do we properly perform CPR? These are some of the skills we have taught in depth so far. Four more days are to come! Thank you for helping us provide this highly desired training by meeting our physical and spiritual needs. Your prayers are felt!”
The Project Acacia team will be joining up with Class 4 and an additional attaché once in Europe. From there, the combined team will begin Project Nightingale 2.0 in Ukraine.
Please be in prayer for travel safety and for safety during both deployments, especially for while they're in Ukraine with all the risk that comes with being in a war zone. If you would like to donate to Project Nightingale 2.0 and help us send along first aid kits for people on the front-lines, please click here.