91st SFG train to defend Published Dec. 1, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Members of the 91st Security Forces Group confronted a small group of protesters during a training scenario here Nov. 23. This is the first time Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen have been able to conduct this type of hands-on training because trainers now have protective body suits to wear. Tech. Sgt. Asher F. McCoy, 91st Security Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training, described this training as being focused on how Airmen can control a situation using minimal force and increased vocals. "It's a way to train Airmen to use their voice and talk a subject down," he said. "The idea is to train Airmen to use very minimal force during a confrontation. If force is required, Airmen are trained to do so in a controlled manner." Airmen receive briefings in the beginning of their training day. Afterwards, they are given the chance to actually practice what they've been taught. Sergeant McCoy explained the training as being composed of several different scenarios in which Airmen are challenged to control their subjects. "Scenarios range from medical emergencies to language barriers to small group protests," Sergeant McCoy said. "Some of the scenarios will have really compliant subjects, others won't," he added. "Having different, random scenarios for the defenders to respond to trains them on how to make decisions based on the subject's actions. It trains them to act under pressure." Sergeant McCoy said this training is different from other types of training Airmen receive because it is more hands-on than most. "Instead of having the normal lesson plan through PowerPoint, Airmen are able to come in and get some hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment," he said. "It's a great learning experience for both those who are acting in the scenarios as well as those who are observing." Sergeant McCoy said this training emphasizes taking control of the situation verbally, not just by using force. Airmen receiving this training agree with Sergeant McCoy in saying this training is more beneficial than acting out simulated scenarios. "Airmen get this training in technical school, but not to this extent," said 2nd Lt. Stephanie Reichlin, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight commander. "This training is great because it increases confidence in dealing with possible situations. Rather than simulate the situation, Airmen are given the opportunity to deal with the subject hands-on, which is much more effective." Staff Sgt. William E. Trotman III, 91st MSFS flight security controller, really enjoyed it because, not only did it teach him how to use different apprehension techniques, but he was also able to practice making decisions in the heat of the moment. "This training allows one to recognize the different ways of controlling the situation by being vocal and using practical applications of force," he said. "One is able to tailor actions to the situation as well as to the subject's actions." Col. Jay A. Carroll, 91st SFG commander, reinforces the importance of properly training security forces here. "Members of the 91st SFG must be ready to perform with precision across the full spectrum of threats that could potentially face the resources we protect," the colonel explained. "This includes threats ranging from a protest to a well-trained and equipped terrorist attack." "The nation can sleep well at night knowing security forces Airmen here, just like those deployed around the world, are defending the freedoms all Americans enjoy," he continued. "These Airmen deploy for days at a time, away from friends and family providing impenetrable security for Minot's ICBMs and associated resources supporting the US Strategic Command commander and the president. It's often not glamorous work and requires our Airmen to endure all kinds of weather conditions and long hours. But I'm incredibly proud of the work these men and women do each and every day!"