Photo By Capt. Kayla Edwards | Master Sgt. Jon Huber, 19th Security Forces Squadron operations and training NCOIC,...... read more read more
Working together to support Team Little Rock is one of the main reasons that the 189th and 19th Security Forces Squadrons have established a partnership. Airmen from the 189th SFS regularly integrate with the 19th SFS to receive hands-on training that they may not have the opportunity to gain in the Guard. The relationship between the two units has proven to be valuable for the defenders of Little Rock Air Force Base and sustaining the bond is important to ensure continuity of training opportunities for active duty and ANG Airmen.
One of the challenges of maintaining the relationship between both squadrons is the frequent changes in leadership and senior management in the 19th SFS due to permanent change of station. However, Master Sgt. Jeremiah Covington, the 189th SFS superintendent, explained that the 189th SFS makes every effort to establish rapport with new leadership to ensure the lines of communication remain open between the two squadrons.
Keeping the relationship intact is also mutually beneficial for the squadrons because both possess assets that can be used to support each other’s missions.
“We have capabilities and equipment that they don’t and vice versa. If there’s a shortfall on either side, we don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call each other. It’s just easier to work together,” said Covington.
One example of this collaborative asset use is the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility, which is operated by the 19th SFS. When 189th AW members need weapons qualification training, 19th SFS provides access to the range so that 189th AW Airmen can maintain proficiency and are combat ready. Another unique advantage that has been gained from the SFS partnership is the opportunity for Airmen from both squadrons to receive on-the-job training that they would have limited chances to receive in their respective squadrons. Newly enlisted security forces Airmen from the 189th are sent to work with active duty security forces members at the 19th SFS to get hands-on training in entry control point surveillance, flight line patrols, and base sentry duties.
Master Sgt. Jon Huber, 19th SFS operations and training NCOIC, also acknowledged that the 189th SFS Airmen often provide civilian law enforcement training opportunities and perspectives to which active duty airmen may not ordinarily have access.
“Sergeant Covington and other members of the 189th who are civilian police officers and have different law enforcement backgrounds are a great asset to our Airmen because they provide different insight and access to additional classes and training,” said Huber.
Recently, 19th SFS Airmen had the chance to participate in an emergency vehicle operations course, in which law enforcement officials practiced driving exercises specifically designed to prepare them for high-stress, emergency situations. EVOC is not a class typically offered at Little Rock Air Force Base but the partnership between the 189th and 19th SFS made it easier to coordinate efforts with local police departments to get active duty security forces Airmen trained in those techniques.
Another advantage for both squadrons is the ease with which 19th SFS Airmen can communicate with local police departments. Several drill status guardsmen from the 189th SFS are also members of local police departments and sheriff’s offices. Huber explained that having a civilian law enforcement official who also understands military procedures makes it much easier to coordinate efforts.
“Military and civilian law enforcement are two distinctive groups,” said Huber. “Having a person in the local police department that can help bridge the gap and speak our language makes it easy to communicate what we need and the support we’re requesting from their agencies.”
As a whole, the relationship that has been established between the two squadrons has had a major impact on the training and development of the Airmen of the 189th SFS. In addition to the training they receive during a drill weekend and from their computer-based training modules, new Airmen have the opportunity to become involved in daily security operations of an active duty installation.
The 189th SFS Airmen who train with the 19th SFS participate in a variety of standard base security procedures, including building alarm response, responding to domestic disputes, traffic stops, and handling DUIs.
“This relationship is the epitome of the total force concept. Our new Airmen don’t really understand the full picture until they see and experience all of it,” said Covington. “It’s not just isolated training here and there for our drill status guardsmen. They get a grasp of what the career field really means.”
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2018 13:18 |
| Story ID: | 300708 |
| Location: | LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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