Wolf Pack and ROK defenders tackle combat readiness training

by Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/19/2014 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- More than 250 Airmen from the 8th Security Forces Squadron tackled quarterly combat readiness training with Republic of Korea Air Force and ROK special operations forces members Sept. 15 to 17 at Kunsan Air Base, ROK.

Wolf Pack defenders execute quarterly combat readiness training to ensure a seamless transition from armistice to contingency operations during both exercises and real-world situations.

"The overall goal for this training is to develop muscle memory," said Airman 1st Class Collin Dahlberg, 8th SFS response force member. "If we practice how we preach, there's no way we can fail. In case something happens in the real world, we'll be ready and know what to do."

Over the course of three days, Wolf Pack defenders covered topics including mounted and dismounted operations, individual and small unit tactics, land navigation, shoot-move and communication, tactical communications, enemy prisoner of war procedures, self-aid buddy care and additional battlefield curriculum. The defenders also re-qualified on their M4 rifle, a sustainment requirement for all security forces members.

"It is security forces responsibility to protect everyone on base," said Staff Sgt. Jose Ortiz, 8th SFS home station training non-commissioned officer in charge. "That's such a huge responsibility, and I like being the one ensuring they're properly trained to use the M4s. I take a lot of pride in this position as their instructor."

For many first-term Airmen, the quarterly readiness training provided an opportunity to expand on the foundation of basic security forces skills. For NCOs, the CRT allowed them to demonstrate their leadership skills whilst being evaluated by instructors. For others, the CRT was a chance for senior leadership to work side-by-side junior enlisted Airmen as they simulated opposing forces.

"It's a matter of being able to do the lowest ranking person's job," said Capt. Caesar Baldemor, 8th SFS operations officer. "I would never ask them to do something that I wouldn't do personally, so what better way of experiencing and learning that by getting out there and getting in the ditches with them; getting sandy with them."

Integrating Airmen of all ranks -- from airmen basic to senior NCOs and company grade officers -- with ROKAF members in quarterly CRTs helps instill a mindset of teamwork to ultimately ensure maximum security and safety of the Wolf Pack family.

"This was the first time we have done this in a while -- integrating our ROKAF and ROKSOF brethren," Baldemor said. "It's very important to have that strong relationship, should the time come to transition from armistice into contingency. We're here to help them and they're here to help us."

As Kunsan's first-line of defense, it is imperative for security forces members to accurately and effectively perform their tactical capabilities in order to defend against external threats in wartime and armistice.

"It's important to do it [CRT] so we don't lose perishable basic skills -- firing a rifle, building a range card, building a sector sketch, building an overlay, talking on a radio," Baldemor said. "So if we build on those skills, I can trust that they will make the right decision.  We are a 24-hour day, seven days a week, 365-days a year shop, and we are always training hard to be ready to fight tonight."