Going through the gate of a defenders mind

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Airmen broke down doors, cleared buildings, performed medical evacuations, secured an airfield and provided defense against insurgent threats during a 16-day training course lead by cadre from the 435th Security Forces Squadron in Baumholder.

Staff Sgt. Jon-Paul Horning, 86th SFS creek defender course trainee, was part of a 98-student class that completed this required course before being eligible to deploy.

Q: What is the creek defender course?

A: The creek defender course is a way to ensure the capabilities of a security forces member are what they need to be. We practiced 24 core tasks as a squad and then were evaluated on our performance by the cadre team.

Q: What are some of the core tasks on which you were evaluated?

A: We were evaluated on a broad spectrum of tasks, including building clearance tactics, mounted and dismounted operations, the use of night vision equipment, medical evacuations, securing an airfield and establishing a defense for (the airfield).

Q: Did you find this training necessary or helpful?

A: Absolutely. The training wasn't only about reaffirming our technical skills but also developing NCO leadership qualities while junior enlisted Airmen take leadership roles.

Q: How did the Airmen who are deploying for the first and second time benefit from this?

A: They were placed in leadership roles frequently. It wasn't uncommon to see an airman first class or a senior airman in a squad leading a fire team and contributing to the overall success.

Q: How did the training culminate?

A: The last two days we took part in a field training exercise that had us secure and establish a defense for an airfield. We had a fully functioning defense system in place consisting of defensive fighting positions, mounted patrols, an entry control point, humanitarian missions, and a final assault we had to defend against on the last night that included practice munitions and various scenarios.