FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Troops at Fort Bragg are preparing for deployment to the Ebola hot zone in West Africa.
Members of the 43rd Airlift Group underwent training Thursday to save lives and keep themselves safe during Operation United Assistance.
Click here for more Ebola information - #FactsNotFear
For the soldiers and airmen, this could be life or death training. The suits, masks, and gloves may be the only protection in between the troops and the deadly Ebola virus.
For many of the troops, it's an extra measure of reassurance.
"It makes me feel safer. I could not imagine walking in there without a suit on feeling unprotected and vulnerable," said Airman Dakota Hopkins.
In the classroom, instructions warned the soldiers and airmen of the Ebola dangers, but also tried to calm their fears and concerns.
In Africa, the Air Force crews will handle airport operations, and some medical transportation. Fort Bragg will send soldiers to guard American forces, as well as engineers to repair roads, and build clinics.
The Pentagon says the troops will not be directly involved with Ebola victims, but may have to treat and transport U.S. military and civilian workers infected with the virus.
The troops say it's better to be safe than sorry. The protective suits are uncomfortable, but essential.
"It's different, never been inside a medical suite, but it's pretty cozy," said Airman Michael Wilkins.
The Air Force crews are expected to deploy in early November.
There is no word on when Fort Bragg troops will deploy, or how long they will be there.