By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
/ Published June 07, 2007
FORT DIX, N.J. --
Whether it's Raven #1 or Raven #1564, students and instructors from the Air Force Phoenix Raven Training Course say the course has made a lasting impact on their lives and the Air Force.
The course, taught by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron, was implemented in 1997 to specially train security forces members to provide security for Air Mobility Command aircraft transiting to and from high terrorist and criminal threat areas.
According to the course description, Phoenix Raven is an "intensive" two-week, 12-hour-a-day course covering such subjects as cross-cultural awareness, legal considerations, embassy operations, airfield survey techniques, explosive ordnance awareness, aircraft searches and unarmed self-defense techniques. Students are exposed to more than 70 use-of-force scenarios where stress is simulated through the use of role players. Training includes instruction and realistic practical exercises in verbal judo, defensive tactics, armament systems and baton training and advanced firearms training.
Retired Col. Lawrence "Rocky" Lane, former security forces officer and one of the original creators of the Phoenix Raven program while serving as Air Mobility Command's top SF officer in 1997, said over the last 10 years the program has been a proven asset to the Air Force.
"I think the success of the mission of the Raven Program is that it speaks for itself," said Colonel Lane, who also was the first Raven student to graduate the course achieving Raven #1. "Of all the thousands of missions that have been flown by AMC and other commands throughout the world that have had Ravens with it, we haven't lost a single aircraft. We also haven't had a single aircrew member killed or wounded or anything that's been in the care and protection of a Raven or a Raven team. I think that speaks for itself."
Colonel Lane added, "Now I am not going to say that no one was killed or wounded only because Ravens were on board. But I will tell you this - if adversaries are going to look out there and see an aircraft protected by professionals, they're going to look for an easier target. So, in all that I said, I think the Raven program is more than justified."
In the summer of 1997, the same cadre Colonel Lane appointed to work in the then Air Mobility Warfare Centers 421st Ground Combat Readiness Squadron had the privilege to instruct Raven #1.
"We had to use the instructors who were already here," Colonel Lane said. "They went through a little pre-program - the instructors did - and from the AMC SF staff, of which I was member, and we went through the first class. So, members of the (AMC) staff and the 421st went through the initial class. Then we turned around and had our cadre start teaching the other members who would come through as students."
Tech. Sgt. Enrico Catubo, 60th Security Forces Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., attended Raven training as a student in 1997 where he earned Raven #191. He later served as a Raven instructor from 2002 to 2006 and gave his definition of what a Raven truly is. "I think a Raven defines everything under force protection - anti-terrorism, security and strength," he said.
Sergeant Catubo said Raven training is something that can benefit every Airman - not just security forces.
"I think the training they receive here as Ravens should go across the board for Air Force people in all career fields," Sergeant Catubo said. "I say that just because of the force protection aspects of it. With increased threats in our current environment, it's going to get worse - not better. The training Ravens receive consistently changes to mitigate any threats to U.S. personnel or resources. And so I do encourage not just security forces, but other career fields, to get a little familiarization of what is taught in Raven training."
Former Staff Sgt. Kerry Patton, who earned Raven #448 in 1999 as a student and served as a Raven instructor from 2003 to 2007, said he learned a lot at the training and on Raven missions that took him all over the world to places like South and Central America, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
"The biggest thing I learned was that every Raven brings something unique and different to the security of the country and aircraft they're protecting," Sergeant Patton said. "Every Raven has their own key traits and personalities for getting the job done. Being a Raven means testing your own physical and mental abilities."
Every Raven who earns a number has that number for life. Colonel Lane said five former Ravens had their numbers "blacked out" because they brought disgrace to the program. Being a Raven, he says, means staying true to core values and the Raven creed.
"Never forget the Raven creed," Colonel Lane said. "Everything you do, every action you take, reflects on every Raven in the United States Air Force. It is reflected by your conduct and behavior under stressful situations. That includes combat and any other related situation.
"Just remember who you are and what you stand for and never forget it," Colonel Lane said. "When a Raven gets his number, unless it's taken away from him for disgracing the program, that number stays with you the rest of your life - even if you retire or get out of the military. That's something you own and you earned. It's yours - don't disgrace it."
Senior Airman Nick Torrez, a security forces journeyman from the 353rd Special Operations Group, Kadena Air Base, Japan, received the most current Raven number -- #1564 - after graduating from Class 07-D May 24. He said earning his Raven qualification on the 10th anniversary of the program is something special, and he promises to make good on what being a Raven is all about.
"To be able to come to this course and to be able to be called a Raven, as everyone in the Air Force should know, is something special," Airman Torrez said. "It's a very good feeling. I feel like I accomplished something, and I'm ready to go on to my next goal. To me, getting my number is very special because that's my number, and no one else will be able to carry it. That's means I have my own number, and now I have to stay true to it as a Raven and stay true to who I am."
Airman Torrez said the training was tough and rewarding, and in the end, he knows this program creates Airmen of a special breed.
"When I first came here, I didn't think it would be as hard as it was, and it did turn out to be very stressful and very physical," Airman Torrez said. "But, after it's all said and done, you feel good because you made it through, you graduated and you got your own number. I can be called a Raven now."