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Airmen learn all the right moves in 'Check Six'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing
Southwest Asia --  Random acts of violence have unfortunately become a scary reality in today’s world.

These acts can unfold sporadically, and many times they occur inside work environments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, from 2006 to 2010, work-related homicides killed an average of 551 workers per year .

Recently, within the U.S. Air Force’s area of responsibility in Southwest Asia, active shooters and suicidal aggressors have increased high-profile attacks, according to Staff Sgt. Michael, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron check six instructor.

To combat this trend the U.S. Air Force Central Command implemented Check Six, a program which helps Airmen counter those types of situations by arming them with the proper mental and physical reflexes.

“Our program prepares all Airmen to deter, detect, and defeat potential threats of an active shooter occurrence,” said James, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron check six instructor. “It gives them the fundamental tools to increase their chances of survival.”

The program is focused on two core competencies: One is to train Airmen in basic hand-to-hand combat and the other is how to diagnose a threatening individual and react accordingly to mitigate any danger.

When the abilities are brought together it provides a solid foundation in averting attacks.

The combative skills portion of Check Six is offered to anyone on base, and throughout the six hour self-defense course individuals learn and apply several different techniques to neutralize an aggressor.

“The combatives class is designed for Airmen with little to no martial arts skills,” said Michael. “It teaches participants how to subdue assailants and ultimately enhances an Airman’s physical capability, which could significantly impact the outcome of a hostile event.”

The second part of Check Six, commonly referred to as a battle drill, involves a designated work center, which is placed in a simulated life-threatening situation in which it must apply its newly acquired tactics.

During this drill, Check Six instructors or unit members are selected to play the aggressor; the exercise often starts with the attacker bursting into a workspace with a replica training weapon to incite a response. Participants must then identify the threat and choose the correct method to counteract it.

“An Airman’s reaction to a threat depends on the setting,” said Michael. “Escape, barricade or fight are their options. Those who are in danger should quickly diagnose the situation and take an action that gives them the best chance of survival.”

Check Six instills a heightened vigilance in Airmen, enabling them to thwart potential offenders. Whether a threat is domestic or international, the program builds a stronger more proactive culture.

Through programs like Check Six, Airmen are empowered to take control of perilous situations and potentially alter the outcome in their favor. An Airman recently demonstrated this when he was involved in stopping a possible terrorist attack aboard a train in France.

His decisive actions led him to charge an armed man looking to carry out an act of violence. Ultimately, the Airman’s swift reaction to fight potentially saved many lives.

Regardless of whether or not the Airman had Check Six training, his fearless reflex led him to challenge the attacker; that choice is one of the fundamental pieces of Check Six.

“We hope this training will never be used, but knowing is half the battle and the application of knowledge is power,” said James. “Airmen can share this training with their families and friends back home. No matter where you find yourself, the choice to escape, barricade, or fight is always there.”

To schedule training, base personnel should contact their Check Six unit representatives.

(Editor’s note: Due to safety and security reasons, last names were removed.)