Spouses get taste of security forces' life

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angelique Perez
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Airmen of the 18th Security Forces Squadron here held a civilian police academy course for Kadena Air Base spouses to give an inside look at what happens behind the scenes of a security forces patrolman.

"This is a course geared toward not only educating the base populace on the range of services we provide to the community, but also to help break down some of the barriers and misperceptions often associated with the security forces," said Lt. Col. Richard DeMouy, the 18th SFS commander.

"We're trying to open the lines of communication between security forces while at the same time take some of the mystery out of what the security forces do on a daily basis," he said.

During the past six weeks, 10 base members trained on some of the major aspects of basic police activities to include using a baton, pepper spray, how to spot and test someone driving under the influence, self-defense, speed and radar enforcement and hands-on military working dog and weapons demonstrations.

"The course is tailored to non-military personnel and is meant to be a fun and interactive way for civilians to get involved with the policing of their community," Colonel DeMouy said.

The spouses culminated their training with a ride along with security forces patrolmen during their actual duty day and responded with them to various incidents. Army spouse Vanessa Chavez said she appreciates the opportunity to learn about what is actually involved with being an security forces member and enjoyed the opportunity to get a firsthand idea about what's going on in the streets of the base and around Okinawa.

Another goal of the course is to help explain the operations of security forces and law enforcement agencies at Kadena AB and encourage the base populace to undertake an active role in policing their communities.

"With ever increasing security forces deployments, we can use all the help we can get in keeping our base and its residents safe and secure," said Senior Airman David Worley, the course developer.

Airman Worley went on to say that he hopes the students walk away with an appreciation that security forces do much more than check IDs at the main gate or write tickets.

"Many do not realize that our area of responsibility spans 58 square miles, or that we respond to well over 20,000 calls for assistance annually," Airman Worley said. "In many respects, our duties and activities surpass those often seen in our own 'hometowns.'"

The attendees said they have learned a lot from the course so far and they would definitely recommend it to other spouses.

"I think this is a great course for any spouse, and maybe even some active-duty members, to be able to get rid of the myths and stereotypes that the security forces are out there looking for us and that they're trying to tag us," said Rhonda Friedland, an Air Force spouse attending the course. "We should just appreciate what these men and women do for us."