Defenders shoot, move, communicate through training

Members of the 86th Security Forces Squadron participate in “Shoot, Move, Communicate” training on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2014. The focus of the training was to ensure defenders know the fundamentals of shooting, moving and communicating with their brothers-in-arms in combat scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Stuart)

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Defenders shoot, move, communicate through training

Airman 1st Class Wesley Baker and Senior Airman Calvin Howard, 86th Security Forces Squadron members complete a tactical movement drill during “Shoot, Move, Communicate” training on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2014. The four-hour training was an opportunity for defenders to refresh some of their combat skills. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Stuart)

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Defenders shoot, move, communicate through training

An 86th Security Forces Squadron member prepares trainer bullets for trainees during “Shoot, Move, Communicate” training on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2014. The 86th SFS is responsible for protecting the people, resources and property on Ramstein, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Stuart)

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Defenders shoot, move, communicate through training

The 86th Security Forces Squadron conducted “Shoot, Move, Communicate” training on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2014. The training is applicable to any high-risk situation, to include but not limited to hostage scenarios and fire fights. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Stuart)

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Defenders shoot, move, communicate through training

Airman 1st Class Zachary Handley, 86th Security Forces Squadron member, fires a trainer weapon at a target during “Shoot, Move, Communicate” training on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2014. The 86th SFS play a huge part in the protection of the people in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, which is approximately 54,000 people. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Stuart)

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Defenders shoot, move, communicate through training

Published Nov. 18, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Michael Stuart
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- When an unfortunate event occurs on base, such as an active shooter, there needs to be some sort of protection for the public.

The 86th Security Forces Squadron is that line of defense on Ramstein. The 86th SFS is responsible for protecting the people, resources and property on Ramstein, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"As a defender, you're ultimately going to be base security whether you're working as an entry controller at the gates, working flight line security or even patrolling," said Tech. Sgt. Jacob See, 86th SFS instructor. "Security and law and order are our baseline."

In order to be an effective unit, security forces conduct training a few times a month to keep their skills sharp. "Shoot, Move, Communicate" training is one of the training sessions that equip defenders with the skills and know-how of what to do in a high-risk scenario.

"This is training where defenders learn to shoot, move and communicate in combat situations," said Staff Sgt. Jeffery Fitzgerald, 86th SFS instructor. "The skills learned are a great foundation for defenders all across the Air Force."

During the training, defenders learned different ways to handle a weapon, as well as the correct form for facing movements when their weapon is drawn. Two-man teams tactically crept alongside each other simulating engaging an armed enemy. The defenders yelled different strategic terms so they could be on track with their counterparts during the fast paced, but systematic training.

"There's going to be chaos in every situation, but we can minimize that chaos by not having communication failures with one another," said Fitzgerald.

The defenders practiced the proper way to hold their weapons in groups before they began shooting at targets from a stationary position.

Completing training such as this one keeps security forces prepared when a threat presents itself. "Shoot, Move, Communicate" training is just one of the tools security forces used to enhance the overall safety of Ramstein.