Defender training readies ‘brass’ for deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mike Meares
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  A new Air Force Materiel Command program helps train security forces leaders for deployment to combat zones. 

“Brave Defender,” developed by the command’s Security Forces Regional Training Center, prepares security forces commanders and senior enlisted leaders for success in the field.

"This course is designed to give security forces leadership the decision-making tools and up-to-date techniques needed to succeed in a fluid, fast-paced combat environment," said Tech. Sgt. Howard Stahl, 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron headquarters track course chief.

The training provides ground combat skills training for AFMC and Air Force Special Operations Command security forces Airmen. Thirty security forces Airmen provide the training.

When they arrive, trainees split up into five distinctive tracks: headquarters, leadership, force protection technology, communications specialist and designated marksman.

The headquarters track, one of the newest tracks, is for the commander, first sergeant, operations officer and superintendent.

"Any kind of 'just in time' training is important," said Lt. Col. Paul Markley, the AFMC headquarters individual mobilization augmentee to the director of security forces. "Brave Defender in particular is beneficial because it is very relevant to the myriad of missions downrange."

At the beginning of any class, headquarters track students beginning training two days before the rest of the class. They receive instructions on their duties and responsibilities and the practical application on developing a student reception plan. This plan encompasses everything from shower and laundry schedules, bed down, quarter's assignments to meal schedules. The Airmen also develop a briefing that entails all the do's and don'ts at Brave Defender, and present the initial intelligence background for training.

"They prepare the headquarters leadership with the skills necessary to understand and face a new threat when we hit the ground downrange," Colonel Markley said. "The way they structured the (course) is valuable training that mirrors situations we'll likely face."

Over a 10-day period, the headquarters students receive instruction through a series of classes and guest speakers. The courses include decision support tools, support weapons, base sectoring, integrated base defense and operations orders. Students also receive training in their specific staff functions and roles, including orders and reports, counterattacks, preparation of the battle space and logistics.

The headquarters students receive briefings on current friendly and enemy activities in their area of operations and on the capabilities their Airmen bring to the fight. During the last week of the course, the students lead their troops during an intense field training exercise that is designed to challenge both their mental and physical capabilities.

"This class has changed the mindset of how we think of our enemy," said Chief Master Sgt. Ken Sowinski, the command’s IMA to the security forces manager. "We are fighting them in their backyard. They know it and are very adaptable to it."

Once each Airman has gone through the necessary training in the classroom and field, they apply what they learned in a joint exercise. The field training exercise tests student's courage in an austere environment. They use what they learned during the previous 10 days.

To provide realism, the exercise covers the entire area of operation. This requires students to look beyond the tactical base perimeter and factor in the entire battle space.

"Our threat is definitely more dynamic," Chief Sowinski said "They do not wear a uniform anymore so these (Airmen) have to be more technically sound."

They must prepare, manage, equip and support missions that range from convoys to reconnaissance and combat patrols. After four days of leading the battle, the headquarters students supervise the tear-down and pack-up of weapons and equipment as the entire student body prepares to graduate.

"Despite different backgrounds, specialties and ranks, the headquarters students overcome many challenges and complete the course," Sergeant Stahl said. "These challenges have refined their leadership and management skills and molded a multi-functional team."