Fairchild Security Forces prepares wing members for deployment

Published Jan. 5, 2006
By Shadi May
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AMCNS) -- Based on the increased need for frequent deployments to hostile environments, the Air Force has directed all major commands to conduct intensive expeditionary combat skills training for all deploying members.

Since many of the topics covered in the training are related to ground combat, Security Forces has been designated as the organization to conduct the training.

Fairchild is among the Air Mobility Command bases that have started to conduct combat skills training. All personnel scheduled to be deployed as of January will go through a four-day training course, exceeding the Air Force requirement of 19 hours. The first class started Nov. 7, and two more have been scheduled to satisfy the requirements for immediate deployments.

“Our Air Force Airmen are all warriors … expeditionary combat skills training will give them more tools to safeguard themselves and fellow Airmen,” said Maj. Philip Holmes, 92nd Security Forces Squadron commander. “Training is the fundamental obligation of commanders. We are preparing our Airmen beyond their specialties with skills to enhance their ability to react in a combat situation.”

But the commanders aren’t exempt from this training. All Airmen – E-1 to O-6 – regardless of specialty, must complete the training prior to deployment.

“As a commander, my confidence will be in knowing my troops’ ability to respond,” said Lt. Col. David Piech, 92nd Civil Engineering Squadron commander, who is slated to deploy with his unit to Iraq. “The training offers a sense of awareness and teaches things to do in emergency situations -- things to be on the lookout for and the ability to react appropriately.”

The goal of the training is for everyone to be prepared for combat regardless of their career fields.

“All Airmen have a role in the defense of the base, themselves and others. No matter what their Air Force specialty, they may find themselves in a situation where these skills will save their lives and those of others,” Major Holmes added.

“I am learning about different predicaments such as convoy operations and how to react in them,” said Staff Sgt. Misty Wyen, a videographer with the 92nd Communications Squadron. “This training might not help me perform my primary job, but it will help me if I am put in a dangerous situation. The instructors are very knowledgeable. Most of them have been deployed and share their stories and experiences with us, which is very beneficial.”

Convoy operations, an eight-hour segment, as well as vehicle-borne improvised explosive device identification and avoidance, and additional weapons (grenade launchers and machine guns) familiarization are extra training that Fairchild leaders have decided to include in combat skills training, since Air Staff officials have given wing commanders, or their designated authorities, the flexibility to conduct combat skills training to meet their mission-specific needs.

Subject matter experts from other units also assist Security Forces instructors to conduct the combat skills training.

“We are considered subject matter experts in ground combat skills, but there are other contributors, such as civil engineering’s explosive ordnance disposal personnel, who will assist us in conducting the training,” said J Colt, a 92nd SFS instructor. “We will use all resources to teach the course.”

Although the priority will now be given to those destined for Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Staff anticipates combat skills training to become mandatory additional training for all Airmen.

“The Air Force needs to ensure every Airman is prepared for our changing combat environment,” Major Holmes said. “Our Airmen will be ready."

SF combat training