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Roommates create enhanced training opportunity for base defense

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Burke Baker
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  A new integration training program between Airmen assigned to Force Protection and Security Forces has recently been implemented on The Rock.

The Bravo Defender Program started as an idea batted around by two senior noncommissioned officers who are roommates in the dormitories. Master Sgt. Carmen "CJ" Zuccarelli and Master Sgt. Kevin McReynolds began exploring ways to enhance training opportunities for their Airmen that would increase the overall readiness of the air base during their down time.

"This was a joint idea between Master Sgt. Carmen "CJ" Zuccarelli and myself, born through discussions about the roles each of our respective units play in defending and securing the base," said Master Sgt. Kevin McReynolds, a flight sergeant with the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

The sergeants brought their ideas to their respective unit leadership and were given the nod to proceed with the program.

McReynolds said that the basic idea is through recurring training, select Force Protection Airmen are instructed on the proper set-up and wear of individual protective gear, clearing barrel procedures, radio procedures, and what to expect during shift changes. The FP Airmen also work shifts alongside Security Forces Airmen, patrolling sectors of the base and standing watch at various stations.

"We thought, through integration, we could better prepare our base defense for a worst case scenario. We wanted to give Force Protection personnel an opportunity to do something out of the norm and to provide them with an expanded view of the air base defense mission," he said.

Master Sgt. Zuccarelli, NCO in charge of the Force Protection detail, said that in addition to the enhanced training opportunity, the program forges better cooperation and working relationships between the two groups. He added that it also gives his FP Airmen a better appreciation for what the Security Forces Defenders are responsible for and the tactics, techniques and procedures they employ.

"The concept of the training is simple, Force Protection is the augmentee to Security Forces in the event we are needed during any particular conflict, attack, or even natural disasters," said Zuccarelli. "It prepares us for what could happen and our Airmen will feel more confident when performing their duties as augmentees.

Col. David Sanford, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander, is thrilled with the program.

"The initiative shown is amazing," he said. "The [Bravo Defender] Program is the under pinning of our base defense and these improvements enhance our capabilities and ability to respond to internal and external threats. We plan on pushing this program to the other GCC bases to assist their own force protection areas."