Kunsan AB officials add Tasers to arsenal

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sheryll Klinkel
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) --  Members of the 8th Security Forces Squadron here recently received Tasers as a non-lethal weapon to defend the base and its people.

"We would usually use pepper spray to subdue an unruly subject, but on the Korean peninsula, we are not allowed to use pepper spray because it's considered a chemical munitions," said Lt. Col. Mark Anarumo, the 8th SFS commander. "The baton is extremely effective, but we do not want to cause any permanent or debilitating damage to anybody that could result from the use of a baton."

Air Force officials officially approved the use of Tasers in June 2008 with a policy letter that stated, "the non-lethal force may be used when a subject is actively resisting or non-compliant, and demonstrates a willingness and ability to harm themselves or others."

The use of the non-lethal weapon is taken seriously by 8th SFS officials. Airmen who will carry the weapon are required to complete a certification program taught by a non-lethal-weapons expert.

"(Airmen) are required to take a three-day course that puts members through different scenarios to train the individual's threat perception," said Master Sgt. Gabriel Gonzales, the 8th SFS Bravo Flight chief. "The course teaches how to judge threats and when to use the appropriate level of force."

Once the course is complete, the members are required to pass a test and experience the effects of a Taser with a five-second shock.

"I don't want our folks to employ it lightly," Colonel Anarumo said. "I want to make sure they understand its effects and how uncomfortable it is."

Leading by example, Colonel Anarumo and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bruno, the 8th SFS superintendent, stepped up to be the first subjects in the squadron to demonstrate the effects of the Taser Dec. 7, in front of base members.

"We're getting the shock because we're expecting our young (Airmen) to go through it," Chief Bruno said. "It's important for them to see that we're not asking them to do something we're not willing to do."

After a short introduction of the non-lethal weapon's capabilities, the colonel and the chief stepped on stage to receive their shock.

The Taser shot two prongs into the subjects, completing a circuit where 50,000 volts of electricity temporarily paralyzed the subjects.

"Initially, all your muscles lock up and you can't move," the chief said. "This is great because it gives our defenders time to move forward, grab the subject and take control quickly."

"We'd rather not employ the Taser," Colonel Anarumo said. "It will only be used when subjects lose control."

Squadron leaders expect to have defenders trained and carrying the Taser before Dec. 24.