An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Surprise makes Afghan Security Force graduation special

  • Published
  • By Capt Rob Leese
  • 438th AEW PAO
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN --  On June 24, 2010, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was on hand to help present graduation certificates for the fourth Combined Air Power Transition Force Security Forces Course.
 
There were 12 students in class who were handpicked from the Security Force career field because of their successful completion of basic literacy course. Students were tested daily for both physical and mental stamina and each individual's fortitude was pushed to exhaustion daily.

The 21-day course consisted of daily physical fitness, team building, Security Force orientation and duty hazards, incorporation of force continuum matrix, unexploded ordnance/improvised explosive device recognition and response procedures, weapons familiarization and safety, entry control point duties and procedures, challenging and search procedures for personnel and vehicles, restraint techniques, defensive tactics/fighting and self-defense, weapons retention drills, urban operations, combat first aid, and individual/team ground combat tactics.

After this training, the Security Force Airmen will be assigned to units for further on-the-job training. The CAPTF Security Forces mentor, MSgt Richard Putman, was on hand to provide guidance; however, these students were given the opportunity to mentor their fellow classmates in areas covered in the course.

Putman stated, "I would expect these young troops to take this training and take the training received back to their home unit and help train others."

Upon graduation, each student will have an advanced knowledge, as well as practical application of the process and procedures in being a Security Force member. Graduation of this course also broadens the student's knowledge and capabilities to pursue specialty positions on the Air Base Defense teams and Quick Reaction Force teams.

Putman explained, "I have faith that these students have received the best training and feel they will be ready to perform when they are called upon to do so. There is no doubt that this course has prepared these students for what lies ahead for them. They are literally the 'tip of the sword' for Afghanistan and they are eager to prove it!"