Security Forces augmentee practices the high-crawl

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Airman 1st Class Blandon Thomas, 47th Flying Training Wing, works his way across the field during high-crawl training here Sept. 8. High-crawl practice is part of the training Security Forces augmentees receive annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jonathan Cook)

SFS program allows all Airmen a role in base defense

Published Sept. 16, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Jonathan Cook
47th Flying Training Wing public affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With increased deployments comes increased responsibilities for those Airmen who remain at home station to ensure mission success for Laughlin. One squadron working hard to secure such success is Laughlin's Security Forces Squadron.

"As our deployment efforts continue, the demand for fully trained Security Forces personnel is ever growing," said Staff Sergeant Jason Kidd, Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of Security Forces training.

However, thanks to Laughlin's augmentee program, the demand can be met.

The augmentee program creates a reserve of properly trained personnel who are able to assist Security Forces members in times of need. Augmentees come from various squadrons across the base and span all ranks. This guarantees that if one career field has a particularly heavy deployment, there will still be augmentees available from other squadrons.

"During times of need the augmentees spring into action providing more troops to handle whatever is necessary for mission success," said Sergeant Kidd. "Augmentees receive combat skills training to be able to meet the Security Forces mission and to protect Air Force resources and personnel."

Training for an augmentee occurs once a year in order to maintain the skills required to assist with any situation Security Forces members may face. The latest round of training consisted of a two-week course in Security Forces concepts and operations, standards of behavior, weapons and small team tactics training. A plethora of other skills and knowledge that may come to bear as an acting Security Forces Airman are also taught.

Having other Airmen available, should the need arise, takes a load off the minds of Security Forces Airmen.

"To the men and women of Security Forces this is a very beneficial program. It allows more flexibility for Security Forces operations and gives more options for base defense," said Sergeant Kidd.