Head of Naval Training Visits the Security Forces Training

By Yeoman Seaman Steven Cooney, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs

SAN ANTONIO (NNS) -- The commander of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) visited the Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas to observe firsthand the training and conditioning of Navy master-at-arms (MA) students June 22.

Rear Adm. Joseph F. Kilkenny, NETC, visited one of the Navy's largest "A" schools based in San Antonio. "I believe an important part of being in command is getting out into the field and seeing what it is we do," said Kilkenny.

For nearly a decade, the MA rating has grown significantly in both personnel and assigned mission areas making it one of the Navy's largest growth industries in the post 9/11 era.

As the Navy's force protection experts, master-at-arms personnel are trained to provide specialized security and force protection services at naval stations, and aboard ships. Among other skills, Sailors learn pier sentry and harbor security, tactical communications and movements, and apprehension, search and seizure and the appropriate use of force. Through the work of the training staff and instructors, the fleet's MA force builds the skills required to protect and defend their commands.

During the visit, the admiral observed students being trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid. He also took time to speak with students engaged in the Web-based portion of the course citing that the combination of technology and hands-on training was, "No doubt the wave of the future."

Kilkenny then held admiral's call in the gym where he took questions from staff and students and presented command coins to the training center's Instructor of the Year, Civilian of the Year, and Sailor of the Year.

While commenting that the future of training includes simulation, Kilkenny also said, "I believe we will never be able to surpass the quality of training that comes with hands-on experience and this is what is so good about MA "A" School," Kilkenny said.

Kilkenny visited the Military Working Dog Handler School where he observed various demonstrations with dogs used for bomb detection and suspect apprehension. He also spoke with the instructors about the various breeds used in the course.

"The Navy instructors here are second to none and I believe we are providing outstanding training for the fleet's security forces," Kilkenny said.