934 SFS conducts training class

Tech. Sgt. Ryan St. John and Senior Airman Patrick McCarthy, 934th Security Forces Squadron, demonstrate how to secure a suspect to members of the 934th Airlift Wing. The weapons issue and clearing training class was held in preparation for the upcoming Operations Readiness Exercise in April. (U.S. Air Force photo/Shannon McKay)

934 SFS conducts training class

Senior Airmen Patrick McCarthy and Daniel Dewey, 934th Security Forces Squadron, demonstrate challenge procedures to members of the 934th Airlift Wing. The weapons issue and clearing training class was held in preparation for the upcoming Operations Readiness Exercise in April. (U.S. Air Force photo/Shannon McKay)

Selective Arming Training sharpens Reservist security skills

Published March 20, 2013
By Master. Sgt. Scott Farley
934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MINNEAPOLIS ST PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION -- The 934th Security Forces Squadron prepared unit members for protecting base resources during selective arming program classes taught during the March Unit Training Assembly at the Minneapolis St. Paul Air Reserve Station.

Select primary and alternate participants in the 2013 operational readiness exercise honed their force protection skills by taking up M-16As and training in skills vital to protecting base resources.

Master Sgt. Michael Ross, the 934th SFS Deployment Manager, said this program is different than some of the other programs used to train people for security forces functions.

"These Reservists are not augmentees," said Ross. "During the inspection, they will perform their normal duty positions, but at times they could be tasked with providing security for their buildings and offices. It allows units to keep their people at work until a situation arises where they're called to defend their squadron's resources."

The training included weapons familiarization, challenging individuals, detaining procedures, enemy prisoner of war detention, vehicle challenges, door guard procedures, and communications. The class also included training for skills specific to the ORI such as SALUTE and SPOT reporting.

Ross said that training these Airman serves several important purposes, including familiarizing themselves with holding and using the M-16A and also preparing them to be the eyes and ears for base security.

The 934th SFS has taught this program in the past to keep Reservists aware of their responsibilities of physical security in addition to doing their jobs during an inspection or in a deployed location.