Photo By Cpl. Alexandra Vazquez | Lance Cpl. Liza Medina, a participant with the Security Augment Force training course...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. - If rioters storm the streets, chaos ensues and military policemen are in short supply, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar can call on the security augment force Marines to help diffuse the situation.
Approximately 30 Marines and sailors aboard the air station participated in the Security Augment Force Training Course Sept. 22 through 24.
The event taught Marines and sailors basic military police duties, preparing them for activation during times of heightened installation security, such as the Miramar Air Show.
Various support squadrons take turns providing service members to take part in the semi-annual training.
“The PMO on the base is not large enough to handle a large incident,” said Bruce Theisen, the lead instructor of the course. “Any auxiliary force they can get help from is huge. The SAF Marines need to be able to respond when they’re called on – they need to know the basics.”
On the first day of training, service members receive several classes on the proper use of force, or the amount of force needed to de-escalate a situation, and how to properly search a vehicle. The participants all tested their searching skills on an instructor vehicle containing a paper “bomb,” plastic knife and pistol.
“It was a good learning experience,” said Sgt. James Heigert, the chief cook with the Gonzalez Mess Hall here. “The Marines were well educated on what they need to do if they are ever called back. You never know when you could be called for a situation.”
The second day of training involved the service members familiarizing themselves with the SAF service weapon, the Benelli M1014 semi-automatic shotgun. After several classes on the weapon, each individual disassembled a shotgun. The Marines and sailors then traveled to the shotgun range in East Miramar to fire the weapon from distances up to 20 yards.
“It’s always better to know more than your [military occupational specialty],” said Heigert. “You don’t want to get complacent, you need to branch out.”
The instructors taught the service members about the psychological and physical effects of oleoresin capsicum spray, or pepper spray, on the third day of the course.
“Knowing about [oleoresin capsicum] is important in case the Marines get cross contaminated, they need to know what to expect and be able to function,” said Theisen.
Another portion of the course focused on defensive tactics with a baton and riot control formations and procedures. After donning a helmet, shield and baton, the group practiced squad formations and movement techniques.
“I hope that we’ve made an impact on them so we can make them safer on the job and in life,” said Theisen. “It makes me feel good to see a Marine applying what we taught them, and doing it the right way.”
Although the Marines and sailors of the SAF may never be called upon, they are prepared to support PMO Marines in defending and securing the air station against any threat or situation that may occur.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2010 14:05 |
| Story ID: | 58124 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 6 |
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