48 OSS SERE team trains British Army cadets

48th Fighter Wing:

"ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — The 48th Operations Support Squadron Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape team visited British Army cadets for a demonstration of survival skills and hands-on training at Carver Barracks, Essex, Oct. 28, 2026.

The Essex Army Cadet Force teaches leadership, teamwork, first aid, drill, navigation and expedition skills. The specialists' visit offered additional insight into adapting to their surroundings, building resilience and appreciating the value of allied partnerships.

“This event was an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force’s SERE team to bring their knowledge and experience to engage with the cadets and give them basic survival skills they would not otherwise get,” said British Army Staff Sgt. John Tillotson, detachment commander. “Cadets don’t normally get this high-value experience.”

The evening began with classroom instruction on SERE fundamentals and resilience, followed by firsthand accounts from the specialists drawn from their time in the field. By sharing their experiences, specialists gave cadets real-life examples of the mental resilience needed to endure difficult conditions if they become isolated or lost.

“SERE training is built around preparation, adaptability and maintaining a positive mindset when conditions become difficult,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Devan Skeem, 48th Oss SERE operations noncommissioned officer in charge. “Introducing survival skills to young cadets gives them practical tools but, more importantly, teaches self-reliance and resilience. They can apply what they learn in their everyday lives, not just in a survival situation.”

The cadets then put their new knowledge into practice, handling survival tools and learning knot-tying techniques. The visiting SERE specialists demonstrated several methods, including the trucker's hitch, bowline and slip knots, which can be used to secure shelters and equipment in challenging conditions.

Following the knot-tying lesson, cadets headed outdoors for fire-building instruction. They learned how to use materials such as cattails, feather sticks and ferrocerium rods to start fires. These techniques can help personnel build fires for warmth, signal for help, boil water and dry equipment in survival situations.

“The cadets are able to see U.S. Air Force SERE members as role models and gain an understanding not only of basic skills but also of the potential to pursue their own career aspirations within the armed services,” said Tillotson.

Beyond survival skills, the training strengthened ties between U.S. Air Force personnel and British Army cadets while highlighting the longstanding partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom. “The U.S. and U.K. have a long-standing partnership, and opportunities to work with young people help demonstrate the shared values behind that relationship,” said Skeem. “It also gives cadets an opportunity to interact with U.S. Air Force members and better understand why we are part of their local community.”