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JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 27, 2009

TASER devices newest tool in SFS armory

By Thomas Warner 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

The 12th Security Forces Squadron recently completed training with a new, non-lethal tool for their belt, in an effort to improve the number of options police have to help deter crime and aid in self-defense. 

The TASER X-26 gun fires probes that can stun a person for a period of up to five seconds, allowing security forces personnel time to seize control of a potentially violent situation. 

The trademark "TASER," an acronym for Thomas A. Smith's Electric Rifle, refers to products designed and marketed by TASER International. Such products can be described as "electronic control devices," or ECDs. 

"Before this, we had pepper spray and mace as our main non-lethal weapons, but this is actually much more efficient," said Maj. Frank Hellstern, 12th SFS commander. "The recovery time for the perpetrator is much faster." 

TASER guns have been in use worldwide by Air Force security forces personnel since 2002, but the 12th SFS, with more than 150 personnel within its ranks, only recently implemented them. Training taking place at Randolph Air Force Base is helping Airmen become comfortable with the product. 

Upon impact with the target, 50,000 electrical volts run through thin copper wires resembling fishing line, with prongs on the end of the line that attach to the perpetrator and deliver the voltage, temporarily disabling them. The prongs are to be released only by medical personnel, when they arrive on the scene. 

"About 99 percent of people who get hit with this will become compliant," said Tech. Sgt. Autry Fontenot, 12th SFS NCO in charge of training, referring to the TASER X-26 stun guns to be used at Randolph. 

Personnel who carry the devices must exhibit succinct judgment regarding where and when to use them. Scenario-based training has reinforced the notion that people of all ages, health conditions and backgrounds live and work on Randolph AFB. 

"Our need to use this tool here at Randolph has been minimal," said Major Hellstern. "This is a headquarters base and it's a very mature population that lives and works here. You never bank on there not being a need, though. That's when you will see patrolmen get hurt." 

Security forces personnel went through several hours of training with the TASER X-26 over the last two weeks. They learned how to properly holster the gun, how to load and re-load, how to aim and fire it, plus techniques and procedures for effectively using the new tool. 

"A tool such as this is more than just something you simply carry around with you," said Major Hellstern. "You have to know how equipment works. You have to learn how to aim it and how to properly fire it. You have to be familiar and comfortable with a tool such as this. 

Everyone who carries a TASER will have been 'tased' at one point in their training, said Sergeant Fontenot. 

"It gives them a better understanding and appreciation of the tool," Sergeant Fontenot said. "It allows them to see exactly what the device is capable of and they gain more respect for the tool they carry." 

Officer Richard Coon, chief of guards here and a retired security forces and civilian police officer, said the required training will create a new level of security here. He said many TASER products are used downrange and in detention conditions both civilian and military. 

Personnel at Randolph AFB who now carry the X-26 describe it as totally effective.
"It is probably the single worst pain I've ever endured," said Airman 1st Class Addicus Niland, 12th SFS, after being tased during a recent morning training session. 

With Airmen on both sides for bracing purposes, "victims" were tased in their back and buttocks area. They collapsed onto a padded mat before finally getting up again, with minimal residual pain. 

"You can't get up, even if you wanted to," said Airman Jerry Lambert, 12th SFS. "The TASER devices will benefit us, if we have to use them." 

Senior Airman Immanuel Tate became familiar with TASER equipment when he was deployed to Southwest Asia. More than once in training sessions, he has withstood a shock from a TASER product. 

"Your body tightens up a lot," Airman Tate said. "You shake a little for a time afterward, then you are done." 

In addition to suspected criminals, violent dogs and other animals have been tased by security forces and civilian law enforcement personnel to avoid lethal measures. 

"And it's a safe tool," said Major Hellstern. "It does not affect a person's heart. It does not affect pacemakers. It will not kill a person. This is a non-lethal tool that can incapacitate an individual for a period of time long enough that we can bring control to a situation." 

All TASER products require a license to use and are fully described at the Internet web site www.TASER.com including the "TASER Cam," which has the ability to record footage of incidences when a TASER X-26 gun is used. TASER devices are available for public purchase and use, along with what is seen in other realms such as law enforcement, correctional facilities and the military.