Security Forces sharpens aim at Patriot Defender

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lou Burton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The experience of combat and the rush of adrenaline from dodging bullets came to life for 29 Airmen from the 482nd Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron who attended the Patriot Defender combat training exercise at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, June 8-23.

Patriot Defender is an exercise that refreshes combat skills and fulfills a training requirement security forces Airmen must complete every three years. One hundred and forty Airmen participated in the exercise led by the 610th Security Forces at NAS Fort Worth JRB.

"The training is divided between instruction and hands-on experience," said Senior Master Sgt. David Fowley, 482nd SFS operations superintendent. "The first half of the training consists of classroom review and the second is in the field."

A team of Air Force reservists from the 610th SFS guided Airmen through classroom training, military operations in urban terrain exercises, and field training.

"Our classroom instruction reviews combat skills, navigation, surveillance, and tactical maneuvers," said Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Lewis, 610th SFS operations superintendent. "We divide these instructions into lecture, practice, and demonstration."
The instruction also utilizes a virtual training program, which allows students to simulate combat scenarios.

"The virtual training program is like a video game," said Lewis. "Airmen get an opportunity to practice a variety of scenarios, practice shooting, and review rules of engagement all before entering the field training."

In the past, field training encompassed the use of laser activated vests and weaponry, which received data and provided a summation of success in the field.

"Field training has evolved from the older method that was similar to a game of laser tag," said Lewis. "Now the participants get immediate feedback in the form of blank ammunition."

The simulated ammunition comes in the form of plastic bullets, which safely and effectively communicates being hit.

Additionally, Airmen are equipped with complete body armor and helmet. Coupled with the high temperatures of Texas heat in June, the combat experience becomes realistic, said Lewis.

Increasing the education, participants and instructors share information, experiences, and maneuvers during the exercise.

"Each scenario in the field allows us to review various field formations that are specific to security forces inside and outside the wire," said Lewis. "With a variety of Airmen of all levels of experience and backgrounds, we all benefit from sharing information with one."