Blue Coach improves 5th SFS tactics, awareness, vigilance, survivability

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 5th Security Forces Squadron is participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here.

"This training better prepares us for any situation we may come across," said Master Sgt. William Wilson, 5th SFS security forces training noncommissioned officer-in-charge.

The training, called the Air Force Blue Coach Initiative, began at Whiteman AFB, Mo., where an entire flight participated in an intense Navy SEALs training program. Airmen of all ranks trained in preparation for the Mighty Guardian exercise. During this exercise, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency brought in outside forces to test the Air Force's defenses.

"This exercise was the first time these newly-learned tactics were employed and Air Force cops defeated the Marine Corps aggressors," Sergeant Wilson added.

Upon successful completion of the exercise, the Air Force decided this was training all security forces members needed. Subsequently, Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, Director of Security Forces, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., directed all security forces units to undergo the training.

The first two bases in Air Combat Command to receive the training are Minot AFB and Whiteman AFB during the fiscal year 2009, Minot being the first of the two bases.

General Hertog was not the only officer who felt the training was important for security forces members.

"Through this training, we received a higher level of individual and team tactics, which are vital to preserving our national resources and helps to ensure we have a fighting chance against a well-trained adversary," said Capt. James Masoner, 5th SFS operations and training officer.

The training comes in four iterations available to 200 security forces members; the first was from Jan. 5 to 16. The next three will be: Feb. 23 to March 6, March 23 to April 3 and April 6 to 17.

The SEALs cover a wide variety of topics aimed at improving the capability of security forces units here.

"Our folks will learn how to best dress for cold weather, close-quarter combat, patrolling, employment of low-light equipment, among many others," said Sergeant Wilson. "The trainers ensure our Airmen feel comfortable and completely understand all the tactics being taught. The training culminates to where we go out into the Weapons Storage Area and practice recapture techniques on structures."

Sergeant Wilson said he has four members who have gone through the training. They act as instructors for training those who won't have the opportunity to be trained first hand. He also said part of the contract states the trainers will leave all their lesson plans, power points, visual aids, etc.

Additionally, Sergeant Wilson said the training is considered an enhanced nuclear training initiative.

While all who participated in the first iteration of the training did extremely well, there were a few who shined for Sergeant Wilson.

One such Airman reflects on her experience from the training:

"At first, it seemed intimidating working with the SEALs," said Senior Airman Angelena Lee, 5th SFS supply custodian. "They really had their stuff together and knew exactly what they were here to talk about. Between the five instructors, they had more than 120 years of experience."

Another Airman from the first iteration revealed how important he felt the training was:

"It gives us a fundamental understanding for more advanced tactics and was a great way to get back to the basics," said Staff Sgt. Casey Muffley, 5th SFS installation patrolman. "It was a great opportunity to train with highly-experienced military personnel and learn how to do our jobs better and work as a team much more effectively."

Continued training of security forces personnel is a mission-essential task. These hard-working Airmen deserve only the best training the AF has to offer. Training is a crucial step to ensuring the nuclear surety of this base is as secure as possible, security forces leadership said.

"This training taught us how to overcome the challenges of our mission here," concluded Airman Lee. "It improved our awareness, increased our vigilance and taught us new strategies for survivability."