NETC Commander Visits CENSECFOR

By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) visited the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Learning Site in Chesapeake, Va. March 8 to see first-hand how security force personnel are being trained to meet the needs of the fleet.

Rear Adm. Donald P. Quinn received a tour from CENSECFOR Commanding Officer, Capt. James R. Boorujy, Executive Director, Larry McFarland, Command Master Chief, Terry Newhart, and Learning Site Director, Lt. Cmdr. Lee Totten.

Learning Site Chesapeake is responsible for providing safe and effective year-round training in the areas of antiterrorism and security force fundamentals to more than 2,000 students per year. Training such as Non-Compliant Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Security Reaction Force - Basic (SRF-B), Level II Coxswain Operation and Tactics, and more.

First up on the tour was the fire arms training simulator where Fire Controlman 1st Class Jason Plizga, weapons instructor, demonstrated the latest innovations of non-tethered simulated weapons trainers and their benefits.

The simulator uses technology that combines both video and digital imagery to produce lifelike scenarios. Students then interact with various scenes using laser-emitting weapons that mirror the same design and performance characteristics as their live fire counterparts. Combined, this creates a learning experience where students can learn how to quickly and effectively evaluate and react to a potential hostile situation.

Quinn, along with Capt. Kevin Oakes who serves as the director of learning development at NETC, honed their weapons handling skills by firing various small arms and crew served weapons.

The tour proceeded to the indoor "climbing tower" where students attending VBSS training learn the basics of climbing and repelling and the proper procedures for safely inspecting large shipping containers at sea. Another aspect of VBSS training is learning defensive tactics where Sailors learn control and defensive techniques for close-quarters combat.

"The goal of teaching defensive tactics is not to turn Sailors into martial arts experts, but rather teach them close quarter survival skills for hostile situations when the use of their primary or secondary weapon is not a viable option," said Totten as he conducted the tour.

The final stop on the tour was a visit to the modular indoor firing range where Quinn and the members of his touring party were able to take part in small arms live-fire.

Quinn demonstrated his marksmanship skills with the M9 service pistol and the M-16A service rifle at varying distances from the target.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 22,000 students each year. This training aligns under three major pillars of training being antiterrorism/security forces, expeditionary warfare, and code of conduct.