VALDOSTA — Cadets in Valdosta State University’s Air Force ROTC program will get a taste of action during a mock deployment exercise scheduled today through Sunday at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain Village on Moody Air Force Base.

Around 90 cadets, ROTC staff and personnel from the 820th Security Forces Group at Moody Air Force Base will meet at 3 p.m. today to begin the weekend-long training. Inside the mock-village constructed of cinder-block buildings, the exercise will give them the opportunity to participate in simulated active duty deployment experiences.

Capt. Tim Bazzle said this annual event was initiated five years ago in order to provide a fun environment in which students could learn valuable skills to utilize during future deployments. Classes, administered by the 820th Security Forces Group, will cover basic military procedures and policies in a deployed environment.

“This unique learning opportunity focuses on developing skills utilized during actual deployments to include base defense, first-aid, and overall command and control of military operations,” said Bazzle. “This event is always the highlight of our fall term and will help our cadets transition into active duty military service.”

The mission of Air Force ROTC is to develop future leaders for tomorrow's Air Force.

For more information on VSU’s Air Force ROTC program, visit www.valdosta.edu/afrotc or contact Capt. Tim Bazzle at (229) 333-5954.