Holloman Airmen train to fight back

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  Airmen of the 49th Security Forces Squadron here received first responder to an active gunman training Dec. 15 to 17 from members of the Roswell Police Department special operations team in New Mexico.

The training allowed defenders to practice the proper techniques to safely eliminate any emergency situation that could occur on base, particularly in an active gunman scenario.

"As we saw at Fort Hood (in Texas) recently, ... it can happen anywhere and anytime," said Jody Scifres, the Roswell Police Department commander and course instructor. "You have to have people on the ground (who) are capable of handling it, and the first people that get there are the ones who are ultimately responsible for stopping the action."

In three days, more than 30 security forces members attended the day-long training where they practiced how to enter and clear a room and building, all while working in groups or formations to ensure fire superiority in any situation. They also worked with simulated rounds, making the scenario even more realistic.

For some Airmen, this was the first of many training exercises. As with all Air Force defenders, this type of training will continue throughout their career. For others, it was a chance to refresh what they've learned in the past.

"For me, the training was really good," said Staff Sgt. Jason Coombs, the 49th SFS vehicle control NCO. "In six years, I've gone through multiple types of training like this and it was a really good refresher. It helped refine some of the older skills and knocked some of the rust off."

Sergeant Coombs is one of the many Holloman AFB defenders who are poised and ready to respond on a moment's notice to an emergency situation as part of a quick reaction force.

"It would take too long for a specialized team from the local law enforcement agencies to respond to Holloman" said Master Sgt. Allen Gilmore, the 49th SFS NCO in charge of air provost operations. "Therefore, it's up to all security forces defenders to be trained, proficient and ready to mitigate or resolve any possible situation that could happen here."

Last week, the quick reaction force team was activated for the first time to conduct a 100 percent identification check on 49er Avenue, and Sergeant Gilmore said Holloman AFB members will see these random ID checks at various locations here more often.

"Our primary mission is the safety and security of the base populace," Sergeant Gilmore said. "From the commander on down to the lowest-ranking defender, we are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and security of Holloman."