RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
A new chapter in security forces training will soon begin.
Last week the 902nd Security Forces Squadron certified three evaluators to assess the performance of 902nd SFS members during sustainment training - a new requirement that allows them to apply their weapons skills to real-world scenarios.
Randolph security forces begin sustainment training this month.
"It's an add-on to M4 and M9 weapons qualification training," said Tech. Sgt. Bruce Harrison, 902nd SFS NCO in charge of training. "It brings realism to the way we train. It also builds the confidence of our members."
The focus of the new training requirement, which will take place five to eight months after each annual weapons qualification, is to "shoot, move and communicate."
During certification training June 25 at Camp Van Ovost, the training area on Randolph's east side, the first evaluators - Master Sgt. Joseph Thompson, Tech. Sgt. Scott Schlosser and Staff Sgt. Ryan Kennedy - watched as Staff Sgts. Teron Mobley and Jeffren Reyes showed them what techniques 902nd SFS members will be expected to master during sustainment training. The instructors then put the evaluators through their paces.
"This is what we use when we go downrange," said Sergeant Kennedy. "We have to go through this first, and then we'll evaluate it."
Some of the techniques members must learn are transitioning between their M4 and M9 while on the move, rapid reload, changing directions to fire their weapons and positioning their weapons toward the threat while communicating with each other.
"Discipline in these tactics minimize our risk of exposure and maximize our chances of success," Sergeant Harrison said.
The use of Simunition cartridges, dye-marking cartridges that Sergeant Reyes called "a bridge between paintballs and real ammunition," is another feature of sustainment training.
"It's a new direction for security forces," he said. "Four or five years ago you had blanks or rubber weapons. There wasn't much training value you could get out of that. Now when you walk in a room the wrong way, you'll know you have because with these cartridges you get pain consequences. You will definitely feel it more."
Sergeant Harrison said the cartridges also let security forces "know if their bullet gets to the threat or it doesn't."
He said sustainment training, which will take place at Camp Bullis, is a complement to the 902nd SFS' active shooter training, which prepares security forces and base personnel for situations such as the Columbine High School, Virginia Tech University and Fort Hood shootings. A key component of both activities is communication.
"You need to be able to shoot on the move and communicate with one another," Sergeant Harrison said. "This puts them in a combat environment, where you have to be engaged with a threat while moving. It gives them the ability to communicate as a team."
Sergeant Mobley said sustainment training will work in any environment - from the battlefield and air base defense to an urban setting.
"It builds trust among team members," he said.
Sergeant Harrison said the training is an appropriate application of the quotation "The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war."