Page 6 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, September 2021

6 Desert Lightning News Photo Feature September 2021 7
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355th SFS beta teStS new qualiFication courSe at D-M
355th SFS be
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Story and photos by Senior Airman
Alex Miller
355th Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 355th Security Forces Squadron were selected
as beta testers for a new SF qualification course at Davis-Monthan
Air Force Base, Aug. 11.
This course is intended to train and test defenders on proper
and accurate firearm procedures. Although a course is already in Staff Sgt. Cody Lawson, 355th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, checks a tar-
existence, this proposed course would be tailored specifically to get during a new Security Forces Qualification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Aug. 11.
security forces training objectives. Throughout the course, Davis-Monthan Defenders and Combat Arms instructors gave feedback di-
“This new course of fire will be used to pave the way on how de- rectly to the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Lawson helps an Airman check out his target during the new Security Forces Qualification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Aug. 11.
fenders qualify throughout the entire enterprise,” said Tech. Sgt.
George Henry III, 355th SFS combat arms instructor. “This train-
ing will benefit the Air Force by increasing our defenders’ lethality
— defenders will be shooting, moving and communicating through
the entirety of the course.”
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is one of 12 installations par-
ticipating in this testing. Throughout the course, Davis-Monthan
defenders and combat arms instructors will be giving feedback
directly to the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center located at
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
“The beta test will help work out any kinks that may come with
the new course of fire,” Henry said. “Once the course of fire goes live,
it will allow defenders to train every quarter on basic marksman-
ship fundamentals, tactical firing engagements and night firing
operations.”
In this first block of training, defenders will be taught how to
properly adjust their gunsights; fire from multiple positions using
their dominant and non-dominant hands; fire with chemical, bio-
logical, radioactive and nuclear protection equipment; and how to
quickly fix a misfire or weapon malfunction in a firefight.
“This new course doesn’t only benefit our defenders. It benefits
everyone and the assets they are charged with protecting day and
night. Today’s threats are evolving, and our defenders need to as Senior Airman Luis Padilla Braun, 355th Security Forces Squadron member, looks down- An Airman assigned to the 355th Security Forces Squadron fires an M4 carbine dur-
well,” said Staff Sgt. Logan Goode, 355th SFS combat arms instruc- range during the new Security Forces Qualification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force ing the new Security Forces Qualification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base,
tor. “Our defenders will become more versatile and lethal than ever Base, Aug. 11. The new course is designed to train and test defenders on how to properly Aug. 11. In this proposed course, defenders will fire from many different positions Staff Sgt. Antwon Powell, 355th Security Forces Squadron member, aims downrange during
before, allowing for better base defense and operations abroad.” and accurately use their firearms in the line of duty. to simulate firing during an active shooter situation. the new Security Forces Qualification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Aug. 11.