35 SFS trains for success on deployments

by Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
35th Fighter Wing public affairs

10/9/2013 - MISAWA Air Base, Japan  -- Raindrops bombard the helmets of Security Forces personnel as they low-crawl, perform patrol movements and make their way across the muddy terrain of Misawa's Camp Defender, a training area for security forces and other field exercises.

As part of an Operational Readiness Exercise from Oct. 7-11, 35th Security Forces Squadron Airmen battled through the training that would prepare them for a tour downrange.

"We test them on their ability to survive and operate in a deployed environment while on patrol," said Master Sgt. William Newcomb, 35 SFS NCO in-charge of training and a member of the Wing Inspection Team. "Knowing the proper procedures to take while on patrol is critical when defending a base. We set up improvised explosive device training lanes where they learn to identify some common tricks an enemy may use."

Some of the training Airmen received included patrol movements, receiving indirect fire from enemy contacts, self-aid and buddy care, IED awareness and recognition, and calling in 9-line med-evac.

"This training is vital for us, everything we do downrange is directly impacted by how we train," Masters said. "If we aren't trained properly, then we aren't going to be able to handle those situations to the best of our ability."

Although SFS's main goal is to ensure all personnel are properly trained, they also shift the focus of the training toward preparing new Airmen for real world contingencies.

"The training we covered gives Airmen the basic knowledge of what we do downrange," said Staff Sgt. Michael Masters, 35 SFS senior force protector. "It helps prepare new Airmen what they may come across if they deploy."

As defenders continued their training, uniforms got messy and mud piled up, but their motivation stayed strong as the day went on.

"We're out here rain or shine, and we're pressing on," said Senior Airman Jeremy Johnson, 35 SFS patrolman. "It brings us out of our 'comfort zone' and we have to adapt properly or it could be miserable."

As SFS defenders press on with day three of their ORE training, Newcomb wrapped up his thoughts about the enthusiastic Airmen.

"These Airmen were very excited to be out here," Newcomb said. "Even though the weather was nasty, they continued to push and never lost motivation. Getting a little messy while staying motivated -- that's always a good morale booster."