435th SFS bolsters global security

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Devin Nothstine
  • 435th SFS
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 435th Security Forces Squadron hosted a security forces specialty training course to enhance defenders’ skillsets at the Ground Combat Readiness Training Center, Dec. 6 to 14.

The Leader Led Training Course allowed defenders from around the Air Force to receive instructor certification in ground combat skills. Newly certified instructors returned home, creating a force multiplier for a standard training baseline across the security forces career field.

“It’s important to build a foundation of skills because we have to be able to operate interchangeably,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Sertich, 435th SFS GCRTC flight sergeant. “We have to be able to rely on each other to have certain core skillsets that exist no matter where we are located. I should be able to pick up any airman first class in security forces, stack them on a roster, send them anywhere in the world and be able to trust that they understand basic tactics.”

The 13-day LLTC dives deep into defender performance optimization and baton, Taser and ground combat tactics. The students learn through a crawl-walk-run methodology to ensure understanding before application of tactics.

“This course is crucial for a lot of our defenders because they aren’t getting a lot of the training requirements that they need since there is a shortfall between their training sections and their flights,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel Waller, 435th SFS GCRTC instructor. “LLTC allows us to train NCOs how to be instructors to go back to their flights and teach all of their Airmen these crucial skillsets.”

The crawl phase consists of classroom instruction where the students learn how to set good first impressions and effectively question and present information to future students.

“They first learn how to become an effective instructor,” Waller said. “We then teach them mental and physical techniques to overcome stress and manage their tension while performing their duty.”

After the students know how to be effective resilient defenders, they begin the walk phase of LLTC — baton and Taser training. Baton and Taser tactics serve as a less-than-lethal force option for defenders to gain compliance with subjects during an altercation.

They slowly learn the different techniques to prevent injury and execute the desired effect, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Malcom Stephen, GCRTC instructor.

The run phase begins after 11 days of instruction where students are evaluated as an instructor. Each student directs a GCRTC instructor during one-on-one session while the instructor assesses the student’s knowledge, technique and teaching style.

“Historically there is about an 80 percent graduation rate, so we are not a pass everybody course,” Sertich said. “That is an important part of our responsibilities as RTC instructors and keeps students motivated all the way through the end.”

All 12 students graduated the LLTC during this iteration and are now certified instructors in all four topics. They now carry the responsibility to return to their home stations and bolster overall security of all installations around the globe one defender at a time.