Liberty Wing security forces work with cadets in field training exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Members of the 512th Security Forces Squadron participated in a University of Delaware Reserve Officer Training Corps field training exercise here April 16.

The three-day training event was created by University of Delaware ROTC leadership to expose future military officers to Air Force operational career fields and scenarios. The
Liberty Wing cops represented the security forces career field by engaging the cadets in hands-on techniques commonly used in military law enforcement.

The reservist regulators joined the 436th Airlift Wing's security forces squadron, as well as Team Dover's logistics readiness, civil engineer and medical squadrons in the event that spanned from Thursday evening to Saturday morning.

"We wanted to show the cadets an overall look at the security forces career field," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Riley a 512th SFS fire team leader and one of the 10 security forces reservists at the FTX. "It's important for these cadets to be aware of some of the procedures used by security forces, no matter what their (Air Force Specialty Code) turns out to be."

Some of the practices displayed by the badge-bearing reservists included challenging potential threats, use of command voice, physical apprehension, officer safety and search techniques, said Staff Sgt. Nathan Foose, 512th SFS training section.

"For the safety of these future officers, it's important they realize that if it's necessary for a security forces member to challenge an individual, we'll do so regardless of rank," said Tech. Sgt. Peter Kwasnjuk, 512th SFS flight chief. "Also, they may need to utilize the skills we've demonstrated. It's possible they may be in a situation where they need to use a command voice or understand how to challenge a potential threat."

Being the first time the security forces members participated in an ROTC training event, they used the time to share their experiences in and out of the uniform.

The security forces Airmen saw their time with the cadets as an opportunity to not only teach, but mentor the future servicemembers, said Staff Sgt. Quinton Allen a 512th SFS fire team leader.

"Any time you get to share information about how your job functions, it makes the Air Force better," said Sergeant Allen, who is also a Norfolk, Va., police officer. "We brought a wealth of experience, both military and civilian, with us to the training. I think what we taught them will help in their future endeavors."

Also, the 512th Airlift Wing members may have directly influenced future officers of the security forces career field.

"There was a young lady there who already received her tasking to go into security forces," said Sergeant Foose. "She was asking us questions about what we felt it takes to become a successful officer. I gave her the best advice I could and told her to rely on her NCOs and senior NCOs.

"This event was a way to positively influence our leaders of tomorrow and set them up for a successful career," he said.

While the security forces members said they enjoyed the time with the cadets, the cadets may have also found the experience beneficial.

"We conduct field training like this every year, but this year we found we spent more time than anticipated with security forces," said Capt. Nichele Adeogun, University of Delaware ROTC detachment 128 cadet commandant. "They really did so much for us, and the cadets enjoyed themselves. Everyone got a lot out of the experience and had a great time."

Captain Adeogun said Dover Air Force Base civil engineers also played a large part in the success of the event, but the time the ROTC cadets spent with security forces, approximately five hours total, was the bulk of the training time.

"Overall, this was good for both us and the ROTC cadets," said Sergeant Kwasnjuk. "We get to provide a positive image of the security forces field through our knowledge and professionalism. The cadets get to observe aspects of the Air Force they may not have gotten to see before. We wanted them to come out of this experience with a clearer understanding of the operational Air Force and our part in that."