435th SFS provides unique training for defenders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Grovert Fuentes-Contreras
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SEMBACH ANNEX, Germany --  Airmen from the 435th Security Forces Squadron  hosted U.S. Air Forces in Europe's first Fly Away Security Team class here April 18 to 24.

Instructors from the 435th SFS conducted the FAST class to meet the increasing demand for fly away security teams in deployed locations around the world.

Fourteen security forces Airmen participated in the training to help sharpen their combative skills in preparation for world-wide deployments.

"Normally this class is taught at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, (N.J.),but due to high demands, USAFE provided us to teach the class here at Sembach, which is an honor," said Staff Sgt. Darin Morrison, 435th SFS instructor.

In combat situations where there is high-value equipment or aircraft, security is needed. This is where a FAST comes into play. FAST classes include: self-defense ground fighting, verbal judo, baton training, instructions on legal considerations and communicating with different cultures.

"We teach them everything they would learn in a stateside FAST class here on Sembach," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Durnell, 435th SFS instructor. "The mission of a FAST is to protect the aircraft and crew through flight deck and ground security."

During the training blocks, Airmen learned several methods of defense -- something which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

"Self-defense ground fighting is a form of fighting with several techniques of different martial arts," Sergeant Morrison said. "They include army combative, krav-maga, weapons take-away training and how to defend yourself in a compromising decision."

Throughout the entire class, the participants lost a good amount of sweat and energy, but one thing these Airmen did not lose was motivation.

"This class kept me on my toes throughout the entire seven days," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Morris, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron class attendee. "Motivation is something I know I couldn't lose, so I made sure I gave it my full 110 percent."

The instructors praised the students' dedication throughout the class and were glad they understood the importance of this class and mission.

"I am hoping this is the first of many classes we can instruct, because it's great training," said Staff Sgt. Jacalyn Carr, 435th SFS instructor. "They all performed impressively and surpassed my expectations."

The 435th SFS is one of three Air Force security forces units in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, but the only one assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing headquartered at Ramstein. As part of the wing's Contingency Response Group, the 435th SFS contributes to the group's "open the base" mission, as well as providing USAFE's only Phoenix Raven flyaway security teams and conducts expeditionary combat support training through the USAFE Security Forces Regional Training Center's Creek Defender course.