Defenders practice hands-on combatives training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicholas Caceres
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Security Forces train for emergency situations, and Defenders here recently practiced hands-on combatives training.

The Security Forces Combative Training is designed to teach members of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron how to handle situations when they are in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.

The Security Forces Combatives Program, or SFCP, is based upon the Air Force Combatives Program, also known as AFCP, explained Tech. Sgt. Frederick K. Kilian, 482nd Security Forces Squadron unit training manager.

"Our training is physically demanding," said Kilian. "We train Security Forces members on individual tactics and techniques; then evaluate the members' retention of the material through a series of drills and live grappling."

SFCP combines the techniques provided by the AFCP with a law enforcement centric focus on use of force, weapons retention and handcuffing. The intent of training on 'submissions' and 'striking' is to give defenders a point of reference to facilitate teaching them how to counter these techniques.

The submissions SFS members trained on include: the Front Guillotine Choke, the Rear Naked Choke, the Triangle Choke, Arm Bars (both Guard & Mount), the Americana, and the Kimura.

"The Security Forces Combatives training is extremely important, it gives SF members the basic skills needed to protect themselves and members of HARB in the event lethal force is not authorized in a situation," said Tech. Sgt. John J. Romeo II, 482nd SFS trainer.

During the June Unit Training Assembly, SFS members also participated in Active Shooter Training. The two-day training consisted of building clearing tactics along with a live fire exercise included teams and solo training where SFS members dealt with variations of active shooter scenarios.

"Defenders here train and maintain certification on not only primary weapons, but non-lethal weapons including TASER guns, expandable batons and pepper spray," said Maj. David Cortez, 482nd SFS operations officer. "Hands-on training better prepares our personnel for numerous situations they may encounter while on duty."

Continuous training keeps Security Forces members ready to handle emergency situations, including those that require them to respond to a physical confrontation.

"The response from the troops once the training is complete is very positive," said Romeo. "All have stated they feel more confident if they were to find themselves in a physical confrontation while on duty."