MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Special Operations Command Central hosted their first-ever Spartan Spouse Day at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 13, 2017.
The event was an opportunity for spouses to learn and experience about the special operations community, and get a glimpse of the training requirements their loved ones have to accomplish.
The day began with the spouses learning how to ride Zodiac inflatable boats and their use in special operation missions. This was followed by small arms training, where the spouses learned how to properly load, fire and unload a handgun. The day culminated with a family lunch, where they were able to share their first-hand experiences and newly found knowledge with each other.
“It was fun,” said Christie Patterson, the wife of a SOCCENT service member, who participated in the event. “This was my first spouse day here at MacDill; so it was good to see what the special operations community goes through on a daily basis and meet new people.”
Along with providing spouses an opportunity to train, this event had an additional purpose.
“Largely, this event allowed spouses to get to know one another and build a network, which is important should their loved ones have to deploy,” said Army Lt. Col. Matt Reynolds, the SOCCENT Headquarters Commandant. “Events like this draw the spouses closer to each other while building a strong bond with the MacDill community.”
Although this is the first Spartan Spouse Day, SOCCENT is looking to take the spouses recommendations and make it a regular event.
“Overall, the event was a success,” said Reynolds. “It brought the spouses out of their comfort zones and gave them a unique experience that they really enjoyed. They are looking forward to the next one, and we are looking to expand on it and continue to improve it.”
Special Operations Command Central is a joint service special operations sub-unified command responsible for planning and conducting peacetime and wartime special operations.