USAF trains IqAF security forces

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- A member of the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron role plays a trespasser during a demonstration for an Iraqi security forces class April 19. The class, the fourth one conducted during the past three months, was to familiarize Iraqi air force members with force protection measures in order to protect their own assets when U.S. forces transition out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau)

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USAF trains IqAF security forces

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- Senior Airman Chris Kelly, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, takes down a trespasser during a demonstration for an Iraqi security forces class April 19. The class, the fourth one conducted during the past three months, was to familiarize Iraqi air force members with force protection measures in order to protect their own assets when U.S. forces transition out. Airman Kelly is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and is a native of Pensacola, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau)

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USAF trains IqAF security forces

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- Senior Airman Chris Kelly, left, and a linguist, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron members, watch Iraqi security forces students demonstrate force protection measures April 19. The class, the fourth one conducted during the past three months, was to familiarize Iraqi air force members with force protection measures in order to protect their own assets when U.S. forces transition out. Airman Kelly is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and is a native of Pensacola, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau)

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USAF trains IqAF security forces

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Cody Perez, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, calls out commands to Iraqi security forces students during practical drills of force protection measures April 19. The class, the fourth one conducted during the past three months, was to familiarize Iraqi air force members with force protection measures in order to protect their own assets when U.S. forces transition out. Sergeant Perez is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and is a Franklin, Texas, native. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau)

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USAF trains IqAF security forces

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- Senior Airman Chris Kelly, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, takes cover during a demonstration for an Iraqi security forces class April 19. The class, the fourth one conducted in the past three months, was to familiarize Iraqi air force members with force protection measures in order to protect their own assets when U.S. forces transition out. Airman Kelly is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and is a native of Pensacola, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau)

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USAF trains IqAF security forces

Published May 9, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau
321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- The 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron taught a fourth class of Iraqi security forces members the basics of security.

The two-week class, developed to improve the skills of Iraqi security forces, familiarizes the Iraqis with all aspects of force protection and base security.

"The Iraqi air force is barely getting created and we're trying to get them where they can sustain their own resources in regards to security," said Staff Sgt. Cody Perez, 407th ESFS, who is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

According to the Franklin, Texas, native, the students, whose average age is around 19 and 20 years old, are attentive, and they want to learn.

"These guys are great. They really pick it up and are eager to learn, " said Senior Airman Chris Kelly, 407th ESFS, also deployed from Lackland AFB.

The course covered subjects such as flightline security, entry control point security, patrols and involved classroom as well as hands-on training.

"Our objective is [for them] to be self-sufficient so they can run their own air force," said Sergeant Perez. "Our main goal is to get these guys to stand on their own two feet."

The trainers use personal experience while teaching the curriculum, but a lot of what they teach comes straight from their own four-month technical school.

"It gives them a better understanding, as a whole, how base security has a huge part in the whole mission," Sergeant Perez said. That understanding, along with the training they are receiving, is currently being put to use by Iraqi security forces.

"They are starting to do internal patrols of their areas," said Airman Kelly, who hails from Pensicola, Fla. They also have their own security forces helping to provide security for entry control points to their areas.

This training is aimed at getting the Iraqi military to a self-sufficient state before the scheduled U.S. withdrawal in December.

"They're transitioning so they can take over their areas and use what we've taught them," said Airman Kelly.