TOP STORY >> Armory Airmen ensure safety

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Quade, a 19th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, fires an M240B machine gun Feb. 24 at Camp Joseph T. Robinson. Team Little Rock combat arms instructors routinely utilize nearby Army posts to qualify on a variety of weapons. Weapons maintained and issued at the armory include pistols, rifles, machine guns and stun guns. 

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Quade, 19th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of the armory, grabs M4 assault rifle magazines to arm up Defenders on Jan. 17 at Little Rock Air Force Base. Each day, Quade’s team conducts inventory of all weapons, radios and associated equipment in the armory prior to issuing any weapons or equipment.

Article and photos by Senior Airman Harry Brexel, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A small team of eight U.S. Air Force Airmen provide firepower each day for the entire 19th Security Forces Squadron to defend the world’s largest C-130 fleet. 

The armory is the first stop for security forces Airmen prior to each shift. The team ensures weapons are fully serviceable and that each Airman is fully qualified before being assigned a weapon. 

Weapons maintained and issued at the armory include pistols, rifles, machine guns and stun guns. 

“We make sure that when a Defender must engage a target, their weapon will work,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Quade, 19th SFS NCO in charge of the armory. “We must be precise because lives count on it.” 

Hand-selected armorers from the 19th SFS enable Defenders to continuously guard entry control points, conduct vehicle searches, patrol restricted areas and respond to emergencies 24/7. 

Without them, the safety of the installation’s weapons, property and personnel would be compromised and vulnerable to attack by hostile forces. 

Though the armory is just small room, the Airmen that work there provide the base with an arsenal that has a monumental impact. 

Another major responsibility of 19th SFS armorers is to safeguard personally-owned weapons. To reserve a spot for your firearm or to find out more information, contact 501-987-2377.