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Afghan security force Airmen learn combative training

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Vladimir Potapenko
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL. Afghanistan --  Tech. Sgt. Sandra Dean, a security forces advisor with NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan and the 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, believes that combative training gives airmen the ability to defend themselves and others around them from physical assault, enabling those soldiers to fulfill their responsibility as community protectors.

Sergeant Dean, originally from Yuma, Ariz., feels combative training is a vital skill for any security force, and for this reason she and her team of 439th AEAS SF personnel teach basic self defense with physical apprehension and restraint to the members of the Afghan Air Force security forces quick reaction force at the AAF base in Kabul.

Covering basic escape techniques, offensive strikes, weapon retention, and physical restraint, the lessons Dean and her crew teach are a foundation that better prepare Afghan Airmen for the challenges they may face as they continue to serve their country alongside coalition forces in the face of insurgent aggression.

"This training is good for me and my fellow troops," said AAF Sgt. Mohammad Zaman, a member of the security force quick reaction team. "With these moves and techniques, I can better perform my duties and protect myself from harm."

"I know one day these same soldiers could be working alongside me or other U.S. troops. Their ability to not only defend themselves, but also those around them is our top priority," said Sergeant Dean.

"I think there is a high probability that at least one of my students will be confronted and forced to use the training they are receiving to defend themselves or others," she added.

Regardless to whether students will be in a position to apply what they have learned, Sergeant Dean sees this style of training as a tool in developing their discipline and self control in high threat situations, thus sharpening their situational awareness during unpredictable situations.

The hope advisors hold for those students learning the combative skills is that they apply their new-found knowledge in an advisory role.

"This type of training helps to encourage individual soldiers to not only learn a new skill or sharpen ones they already have, but also place them in a position where they will become the subject matter expert," said Sergeant Dean. "This will ensure their training will continue even after coalition forces withdraw and provide for a stable Afghanistan."