Defenders stay sharp with skills training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin Kurtz
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force Reserve security forces mission can vary from location to location, in one instance members are patrolling on deployment and in another locking down for an active shooter. Airmen therefore need to train in a variety of weapons to be mission-ready at all times. 

Defenders from the 459th Security Forces Squadron traveled to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., firing range Dec. 3 to train on the M4 assault rifle and M9 handgun. It is an annual requirement for all Air Force security forces to keep their proficiency and familiarization with the weapons.

According to Tech Sgt. Daniel Ganus, a 459th SFS combat arms instructor, SFS came to MCB Quantico for the annual qualification of more than 150 members since the large range is capable of accommodating for the entire squadron.  

“Today’s qualification is extremely essential to the overall mission of the 459th Air Refueling Wing,” said Master Sgt. Cory Hoffman, 459th SFS combat arms instructor. “These guys aren’t just out here to qualify but they are getting ready to support a major upcoming exercise.”

Security forces are required to have a certain number qualified members to support the Nuclear Operations Readiness Inspection in March.

During the two-day long training, the unit's combat arms instructors guided the Airmen through several exercises with the M4 and M9. The exercises included firing each weapon from multiple positions and distances, night firing, and transitional drills.

To qualify for expert marksman Airmen must hit the target 41 times with at least 25 hits to the chest kill-zone and six to the head kill-zone. To keep their qualification members are required to take 45 shots at various distances and positions hitting the target at least 35 times.

“We move these guys through a lot of different scenarios and positions to make sure they are proficient with their weapon in all situations” said Hoffman. “At the end of the day, our job is to make sure they are mission-ready all the time and these qualifications help us ensure that.”

From the newest Airmen to the most senior sergeant, the annual training is an important part of doing their jobs.

“I’m here to do my job and qualify,” said Senior Airman Vance Babua, 459th SFS member. “Hopefully I’ll get expert.”