MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- During a deployment, maintainers are responsible for the maintenance of all aircraft, associated aircraft systems, support equipment and munitions. They must also ensure weapons standardization and quality assurance while maintaining the aircraft.

With such a busy agenda, maintenance looks to individuals from different career fields to assist them. But first, these augmentees need to be trained.

"When maintainers get deployed, our main mission is to make sure every aircraft is ready for anything," said Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuels system repair technician. "What this training does is assist maintenance when we don't have a spare person to help build disposable tanks."

The goal was to take nine individuals from different career fields and build two tanks in a 12-hour period.

The airmen were trained in tool-handling, fuel tank parts and proper safety requirements around fuel tanks and electrical equipment. Once the orientation was complete, the individuals broke into teams of three.

Each team was designated to build either the center, nose or tail portions of the tank. The crews were able to make two fuel tanks within an eight-hour period, four hours less than they had planned.

"I thought it was really neat we had individuals from all different jobs who aren't maintainers to be able to build something with our guidance and instructions in an eight-hour period," Miller said.

Once the tanks were completed, Cummings inspected them, finding both to be in flawless condition.

Airman 1st Class Andres Orozco, 366th Force Support Squadron re-enlistments and extensions apprentice, said it was a good training opportunity. It helps service members with organization, memorization, attention to detail and allows individuals from all backgrounds to work together in a deployed environment.

"When Airmen deploy, it's not just one career field; it's numerous being tasked and it's important that we work together to get the mission completed," Orozco said.