Friday, October 21, 2016

TOP STORY >> Defenders stay mission ready

Article by Airman Grace Nichols, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

 Defenders from the 19th Security Forces Squadron conducted force-on-force and riot training Oct. 12-13 at Little Rock Air Force Base. 

Force-on-force and riot training are an annual requirement conducted over the course of two days to prepare 19th SFS members for expeditionary and homefront operations.

“Security Forces troops are required to complete more than 100 hours of training every year in addition to their primary duties,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Buchholz, 19th SFS training NCO in charge. “We strive to find the most practical and applicable training while keeping it engaging, and when we can, fun.”  

Defenders donned protective gear and equipped themselves with weapons loaded with paintball rounds.

The 19th SFS members swept, searched and secured the area, facing opposing forces in the simulated urban terrain for a real-world crisis event training scenario.

“Our force-on-force and riot control training are two of our most dynamic and interesting blocks of instruction, making them fun to instruct and attend,” Buchholz said.

More than 15 Team Little Rock Airmen volunteered to portray rioters during the riot-control portion, launching rocks and chairs at the defenders to simulate a real-world riot environment. 

“A vital portion of the Defender’s response was unity,” Buchholz said. “Ours are the best at what they do.”

No comments: