I am a Warrior; Altus Security Forces receives advanced training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Forging combat mobility forces and deploying Airman warriors doesn’t just apply to our forces in in the sky but also on the ground.

Over 20 members of the 97th Security Forces Squadron participated in a 5 day training course to hone their skills in a variety of situations that they might encounter stateside or deployed.

“The importance of this training is to expand the foundational training we already get, we have a basic knowledge of combatives, movements through urban terrain operations and firing,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Juliane Breault, 97th SFS assistant NCO in charge of training. “They’re increasing the training and we’ve seen a lot of new stuff that we haven’t seen before.”

The course was instructed by a contracted company that teaches military and law enforcement advanced techniques for a variety of common situations dealing with uncompliant suspects or hostile forces.

The course’s instructor team all come from different backgrounds that include martial arts, law enforcement, private security and military.

 “This week they learned how to work as a team on a means of entry, on body takedowns, positioning drills, how to move with each other as a group,” said Heath Jackson, international Controlled F.O.R.C.E. instructor. “They learned how to more effectively clear a building, bus and plane, things they are not use to doing.”

SFS members were not only learning the course for themselves but for others in the squadron.

“Our goal is that those taking the course will be able to teach other Security Forces members that were unable to take the course,” said Breault. “We also hope to select members from Security Forces to take on the task of training new Airman on what we have learned this week.”

Many of the scenarios reflect real life situations they could meet down range.

 “This not only prepares us for plausible situations that could happen here state-side but for very possible threats we may face while deployed,” said Breault. “We want to make sure we’re prepared for either.”

While the training conducted here in Altus, these Airmen will eventually take it with them wherever they go.