908th SFS takes part in Patriot Defender

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Harrell
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  More than 30 members of the 908th SFS recently returned from the Lone Star State after completing the 16 days of Patriot Defender at Fort Wolters Army Training Center near Mineral Wells, Texas.

The training, designed to provide security personnel the necessary skills to maintain combat readiness with facilities and environments not readily available during home station training, and is required by the Air Force Security Forces Center, the agency responsible for the effectiveness of all security forces.

Together with Airmen from four other AFRC SF units from around the country, 908th SFS members covered a wide array of subjects, including force escalation, land navigation, urban combat, counter insurgency, surveillance, target acquisition, and night observation, combat first aid, convoy tactics and mounted and dismounted patrol operations.

The Airmen also increased their proficiency with equipment such as GPS receivers, handheld radios and night vision scopes, became familiar with the operations of the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle and the Up-Armored HMMWV and engaged a variety of targets in tactical situations with the M-4 rifle and M-9 pistol.

In a rare change from the regular Patriot Defender training, unit leaders were allowed to train alongside their troops, giving commanders like the 908th's Capt. John Brooks the ability monitor his people's performance, evaluate supervisors and personnel placed in specific positions, and ensure members understood his intent. The course also allowed supervisors to make evaluations not possible for Reservists due to the limited time available during Unit Training Assemblies.

Particular attention was placed on the squadron's newest members who have been in the unit less than a year and have never deployed to a combat zone. For each, several NCOs were tasked to provide necessary guidance and mentorship so that no portion of training went without discussion or review.

"This is our future that we must take care of," said Chief Master Sgt. Owen Duke.

Emphasis on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan drove most of the training. Feedback taken directly from the field was used to refine training in order to better provide 'defenders' skills needed to successfully conduct operations in those operational areas.

The course finale was a three-day round-robin exercise encompassing all the covered tasks.

During graduation, Airman Justin Sasser was selected as one of three outstanding performers of the class, impressing both peers and leaders with his determination, motivation, and drive to accomplish the mission.

The training was hosted by the 610th SFS located at NAS JRB Ft Worth, Texas. Also attending were teams from the 349th SFS at Travis AFB, Calif., the 910th SFS at Youngstown-Warren Air Reserve Station, Ohio and the 452nd SFS at March ARB, Calif.