5th CES Prime Beef Published June 27, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Bomb Wing Civil Engineer Squadron conducted its monthly pre-deployment training at Minot Air Force Base June 18, 2014. Focusing on the key elements and responsibilities of deployed civil engineers, members from the 5th CES exercise tactical convoy operations, land navigation and heavy equipment skills to ensure readiness in a deployed environment during the Prime Beef (base emergency engineer force) training. "For one day a month, we take a break from fixing buildings on base, and focus on the needs of the squadron," said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Fonte, the officer in charge of the Prime Beef exercises. "We are readily deployed, and this training keeps us prepared." Since there is no way to predict which Airmen will be sent on future deployments, the 350 participating 5th CES Airmen learn the basics of day to day deployed activities, especially constructing tents, Fonte explained. "Building the tents is usually what people think of when they imagine CE being deployed," said Fonte. "We take a lot of pride in that responsibility, and our instructor shop is here to teach the Airmen." The tents the Airmen train with are the same models used as shelter in deployed environments, explained Master Sgt. Michael Wise, 5th CES Prime Beef training manager. "This is our real-world deployment mission," Wise said. "Tents are the first thing we do--we always start with facilities." Although some of the training is only required annually, or every two years, the Airmen from the CES make sure to perfect their skills during in-house training before completing their missions overseas. "This training allows us to hone in our skills," Fonte said. "For some, the training is a refresher - but for newer Airmen, it gives them the hands on experience they need."