Swedish airmen reflect on Raven training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Bevier
  • U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Two Swedish airmen working to build up a cooperative between their country and the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Phoenix Raven Training Course, recently reflected on attending the Raven instruction April 14 to May 1.

Lieutenants Fredrile Gartborn and Fredrik Andersson, both Swedish air force rangers stationed at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, were handpicked by their senior national representative at the Heavy Airlift Wing, according to Capt. Ralph Alvord, U.S. Air Force Raven team commander for the Heavy Airlift Wing.

"They both applied through their chain of command, conducted multiple interviews and were ultimately selected after meeting the strictest of selection criteria," Captain Alvord said. "All members of the Heavy Airlift Wing will also be trained to U.S. standards to operate, maintain and secure the C-17 Globemaster III."

Phoenix Raven, taught by the Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron, is an 18-day training program that covers cross-cultural awareness, embassy operations, airfield survey techniques, explosive ordnance awareness, aircraft searches and unarmed self-defense techniques. Overall, Raven students are exposed to more than 70 use-of-force scenarios that simulate real-world situations.

Lieutenant Gartborn said his attendance in the course would be the start of a long cooperation between U.S. Air Force Ravens and Swedish Ravens.

"We are stationed in Hungary for two years as Ravens," Lieutenant Gartborn said. "Before getting operational as Ravens, we have to pass the Raven school. In the long run, we will probably be the core cadre putting together a Swedish Raven concept. We hope we can work together with the Raven school in forming this concept."

The Phoenix Raven program was chosen as the security program of choice because of the ability to de-escalate situations through conversation, Captain Alvord said.

"Traditional aircraft security relies heavily on an offensive posture, a show of force," Captain Alvord said. "Ravens operate on a defensive posture relying on wit, charm and interpersonal communication skills to turn the tide of events."

Lieutenant Gartborn explained a big difference in the motivation concept between the United States and Sweden.

"In Sweden, we would prefer silence," Lieutenant Gartborn said. "We would like the trainees to have the motivation inside. If they are not motivated enough, we don't want anyone to make them press themselves beyond their mental barrier. They should be able to do this by themselves. It is two different systems aiming towards the same goal."

Lieutenant Andersson said he really enjoyed the experience.

"The facilities and environment (of the Expeditionary Center) are very good," Lieutenant Andersson said. "The training is challenging and the methods the cadre use are different compared to what we are used to. You can easily see that the cadre love their job and do it with a full spirit."

"Ravens are put in a stressful environment to handle situations professionally and tactfully," said Tech. Sgt. Rudolph Stuart, Raven course instructor with the 421st CTS. "The training we provide reflects those situations they could face."

In addition to the Swedish airmen training in Phoenix Raven, Captain Alvord said there are Heavy Airlift Wing members training to be flying crew chiefs, loadmasters and pilots at different training bases around the United States. The Heavy Airlift Wing is on schedule to begin flying missions immediately after the first expected aircraft delivery in July.