Security forces lead unique training program Published May 14, 2007 By Sheila Rupp Nucleus Journalist KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- The mission of the security forces squadron is to ensure that the base and its personnel are safe and secure and assist in other mission essential tasks, which means that the training these Airmen go through is important and essential. Since 1962, the week containing May 15 has been declared National Police Week, with May 15 serving as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The training that the security forces Airmen here go through in order to serve and protect the community is a rigorous program to make sure that they are in the utmost physical condition and are prepared for any security mission. Each year, five classes of 30-40 personnel go through the 377th Security Forces Squadron Training Flight. The training program is typically a seven-week course, covering topics such as convoy operations and weapons recertification. Physical training is a part of each day in the training course. Chris Batta, director of training, said the program here is unlike anything else in the Air Force for security forces personnel. "We're one of the only - maybe the only - air force base that does this training in the world ... Everything we do here is what the command knows we need, it's not mandated by the Air Force or the Department of Defense," said Mr. Batta. The current class of trainees is going through 11 weeks of training because the training coincides with security forces' mission, which has extended the training timeline. Mr. Batta said the key for the training is to be flexible and prepared for any missions that may occur. The current group of trainees began the course at the end of March and will complete training mid-May. Mr. Batta said that because of the long 12 hour shifts that security forces personnel work, fitting in time for physical fitness can be difficult, but a key component of the training flight course is the PT. "I really work them hard. They need to be in the best shape possible and I purposely make the PT difficult," said Mr. Batta. Airman 1st Class Veronica Hubbell Delao said the PT portion of the training flight course can be difficult, but that it's helped get her in the best shape of her life. "The PT and the rest of the training here brings a real sense of accomplishment, so it can be really fun to do it as well as good training," said Airman Hubbell Delao. Training is broken up into three phases, which include law enforcement training, Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex security and a field phase. During the law enforcement phase, which lasts approximately seven days, flight members learn about driving on the flightline, doing searches and methods of restraint. As part of the second phase of training, personnel learn to ensure that KUMMSC is secure and protected. They also practice close-quarters battle. The third phase of training is the field phase, where instructors teach field operations, land navigation, fire control, squad movement and downrange convoys. Flight members are taught weapons training beginning with how to hold a gun with the "red gun" representations and conclude weapons training with simunitions and live fire. The training taught in the flight is available for everyone on base, though some personnel are not in need of all of the training, said Mr. Batta. "We teach our guys to run a convoy from start to finish, most others just need to know how to survive in the convoy," said Mr. Batta. He said that currently the practice is for units or individuals to call and request the training but there are plans to make the process more standardized in the future. Mr. Batta said the training that security forces Airmen go through only adds to the camaraderie that they share. "We train together and we can go on to work together; (security forces Airmen) are a very tight-knit group of people that carry out a very important purpose," said Mr. Batta. The members of security forces are truly the defenders of the force.