927 SFS concludes training on a high note

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Wittenauer, 927th Security Forces Squadron fire team member, fires an M4 carbine after a training event, Sept. 16, 2020, at MacDill Air Force Base, FL. The Shoot, move, communicate training event is designed to test participants on their ability to move from barricade to barricade as a team. To be successful, one member provided covering fire while others advanced on the enemy, then retreated from the scenario while they maintained cover fire. Security Forces members could employ these tactics anytime they’re under enemy fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley)

927 SFS concludes training on a high note

Ammunition magazines rest on a concrete wall before a training event, Sept. 16, 2020, at MacDill Air Force Base, FL. “Shoot, move, communicate” is a training event that tests participants on their ability to move from barricade to barricade as a team. While one member provided covering fire the others advanced on the enemy, then retreated from the scenario while they maintained cover fire. Security Forces members would employ these tactics anytime they’re under enemy fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley)

927 SFS concludes training on a high note

Airmen from the 927th Security Forces Squadron, discuss strategy prior to a training exercise, Sept. 16, 2020, at MacDill Air Force Base, FL. The “Shoot, move, communicate” training exercise put participants through practice maneuvers taking turns providing cover fire while others advanced on the enemy. Airmen learned how to shoot, move and communicate to build confidence in themselves, their wingmen and with their weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley)

927 SFS concludes training on a high note

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Samarre Perez, 927th Security Forces Squadron fire team member clears out a room during a training event in Tampa, FL on Sept. 11, 2020. During the training members of the 927 SFS learned new strategies in securing rooms and escorting wounded hostages from hostile situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley)

927th Security Forces Squadron concludes training on a high note

Published Sept. 21, 2020
By Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley
927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL-- Members of the 927th Security Forces Squadron concluded two-week annual tour on Sept. 21, 2020 at MacDill Air Force Base, FL.

“The goal throughout this time was to get these Airmen in situations where they would be tested, however in addition to that learn” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Jonathan Randall, 927th Security Forces commander. “I saw plenty of progress from our Airmen and I’m very proud of that.”

During their annual tour the 927 SFS members ran through several scenarios including clearing out rooms in a house, they also attended classes on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives, how to conduct a vehicle stop in the case of a motorist driving under the influence.

The various days of training provided the Airmen with knowledge they can use whether deployed or at home.

“This training was very beneficial for us,” said Senior Airman Eliot Toledo, 927 SFS fire team member. “Small things such as communication and understanding of different scenarios really prepared us for what we may see in a deployed environment or even at home station.”

Deployments can take place at any time and point in a military members career. The importance to stay ready at all times is pivotal to mission success.

“Seeing how prepared our Airmen are and how they executed each event showed me that they were thoroughly engaged in what they learned,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Zuehlke, 927 SFS superintendent. “For us, we’re also fortunate that many of us are cops on the outside so we bring a plethora of experience to the table which is helpful to the younger Airmen who don’t quite have the full grasp of things yet.”

In visiting the different events, Randall says the Airmen were communicating, presenting strong leadership skills and truly honing their craft.

“The Airmen were eager to learn which really stood out to me,” he said. “For us, we have such a wide range of experience levels, it truly showed that our more experienced members were actively engaging with our younger members and that’s something we can continue to build on moving forward.”