Photo By Airman 1st Class Savannah Carpenter | A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 820th Base Defense Group conducts a shoot,...... read more read more
U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group conducted a five-week Rifleman’s Course at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, September 2024, as part of their preparation for future deployments.
The course prepares Airmen for future conflicts by enhancing combat proficiency through real-world simulations and high-stress training including dismounted tactics, reconnaissance movements, active defense and offensive operations. This approach equips them to balance multiple elements under pressure, ensuring tactical readiness on the battlefield.
“We are disciplined in our preparation, making sure these Airmen have what they need to make them highly capable, effective rifleman and team leaders,” said Staff Sgt. Christian Watters, 820th Combat Operations Squadron training instructor. “We have the time to prepare right now and need to take this time seriously, so we can execute when the time comes.”
The Rifleman’s Course included the next generation of BDG members. The course focused on building and applying foundational principles while also working to build leadership and team cohesion among Airmen through phases, such as basic weapon handling, squad coordination and accomplishing mission objectives.
Senior Airman Jonathan Vowels, 823d BDS fire team member, explained that the course is more than just fundamentals; it's an intense experience that highlights the significance of details, planning and communication.
The Rifleman’s course consists of 150 hours of classroom instruction, weapons manipulation and tactical field training. The Airmen apply the lessons during live fire drills that consist of realistic lateral and horizontal movements that simulate enemy targets.
Airmen also trained shoot, move, and communicate drills, focusing on team coordination and effective coordination. These exercises required them to select a course of action, adapt to changing situations, and relay information efficiently to complete mission tasks.
“This training gives Base Defense Group Airmen tools and tactics to add to their repertoire that will set them up for success to lead in austere environments when it is needed most,” said Tech. Sgt. John D. Powell III, 824th Base Defense Squadron squad leader. “The course is designed to make individuals uncomfortable, and to be able to still focus on the task at hand and successfully complete whatever is being asked of them.”
Realistic training is what truly makes a difference in the Airmen’s abilities, Powell emphasized. Overall, the Airmen can walk away from this training fully prepared, ready to fulfill their pivotal roles in safeguarding personnel and installations. The established camaraderie will help the Airmen foster collaborations to find solutions for any challenge they face.
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2024 14:25 |
| Story ID: | 485305 |
| Location: | MOODY AFB, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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