For the first time in a decade, the 47th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) kickstarted a week-long augmentee training program Aug. 19 - Aug. 24, 2024.
The first group of 11 enlisted personnel set the standards for future augmentees
in Laughlin’s week-long augmentee program.
The program aims to provide additional security forces manning during necessary periods of time without diverting individuals from their primary duty.
“Due to the mission at Laughlin, manning is critical to all shops and keeping personnel from either primary duty hinders the mission,” said Staff Sgt. David Yaeger, 47th SFS training division (S3T), non-commissioned officer in charge. “The 47th Security Forces Training Division created this program around those obstacles to provide augmentees the correct baseline knowledge needed.”
This training opportunity pulls junior enlisted Airmen from their usual jobs and comfort zones and introduces them to Security Forces, with the goal to defend the base if the base’s Force Protection Condition Level reaches Charlie or Delta.
From the classroom to the shooting range, augmentees are trained to handle stress inducing situations, challenging them to keep the situation under control and teaching them when to use lethal or less than lethal force to protect themselves and others.
“The most stressful situation we had to undergo was our shoot/no-shoot scenarios,” said Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan, 47th Flying Training Squadron public affairs specialist and 47th SFS augmentee. “In order to simulate stress, we had to raise our heart rates, then be put into two random virtual scenarios where the object was to gain control of the scene and either destress the situation or use lethal force if needed. My two scenarios were an active shooter response and a domestic dispute. I had to react accordingly while trying to get my breathing under control and lower my heart rate in order to pass.”
With only a week of training, augmentees are able to grasp the concept of what it means to be a defender. Augmentees learn a breadth of knowledge in weapon systems, antiterrorism, law enforcement, Air Base Ground Defense, Combat Arms, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
“The course provides members of the 47 FTW with a baseline knowledge of base security and lethality to support the security of Laughlin in times of need,” said Senior Airman Terry Johnson, 47 SFS/S3T, trainer.
With this recent group of augmentees being the first group in a decade to undergo the revised course here, they will be given quarterly training to enhance their baseline knowledge to support Laughlin’s mission of building combat-ready Airmen, leaders and pilots. To further improve the program, the training division is focusing on feedback to incorporate more law enforcement techniques during the initial week, increasing the length of training and strengthening the skills of future augmentees, all to ensure the safety and security of Laughlin.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2024 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 482208 |
| Location: | LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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