Osan defenders practice opposing forces attack techniques

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) --  Security forces defenders charged full speed into exercise Beverly Midnight 16-01 during multiple opposing forces attacks March 7.

Beverly Midnight is one of many recurring exercises held at Osan Air Base allowing the defenders and augmentees to train year-round in the high operations environment.

More than 60 augmentees, including Army infantry personnel, traveled to Osan AB to participate in the exercise, creating a joint-service training opportunity for the defenders.

“Practicing these attacks allows us to perfect our combat tactics in the event of a real-world incident,” said Airman Devin Howard, a member of the 51st Security Forces Squadron. “Practice makes perfect and exercises like this allows us to be more prepared for contingency operations.”

With both strategic and tactical training, they are able to protect more than 10,000 U.S. troops and their families stationed at Osan AB.

The Army personnel assisted with small unit tactics helping Airmen on a day-to-day basis.

Army Staff Sgt. Romaine Wisdom, an infantryman with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, was one of 19 personnel embedded with the 51st SFS.

“We implemented various maneuvers to make it harder for the Air Force personnel to attack,” he said. “Our communication is the key to our success with these training scenarios.”

The tactical simulated attacks give defenders the opportunity to showcase their ability to position, employ and sustain forces.

“The stress from the environment allows for a better training opportunity,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Valenzuela, a 51st SFS standards and evaluations and wing inspection team member. “It creates a livelier, realistic scenario helping our Airmen here prepare for real-world contingencies in the event of foreign aggression.”