Course molds future leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 820th Base Defense Group has to be ready to deploy at a moment's notice and because of this they must be trained and prepared at all times. These Airmen constantly train to develop and hone the skills they will need downrange.

One of the courses that the 820th BDG holds is the squad leader's course, which gives younger Airmen instruction and hands on training to develop them into effective leaders.

"This course teaches younger NCOs how to lead," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dennis Seymour, 820th BDG tactical training NCO and course instructor. "We give them instruction and they apply it during exercises. We also teach them about being too hard or too lenient on their Airmen."

The 820th BDG regularly trains in tactics and techniques such as fast roping, repelling and obstacle courses.

"We do a lot of things that are 820th-specific," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas King, 823rd Base Defense Squadron squad leader. "When I first got here I didn't know any of the things they do, and I wondered how I was going to learn it all. It's important for the new guys to get this information and learn these tasks."

While the course was created for members of the 820th BDG, they opened the course up to security forces squadrons Air Force-wide.

"Teaching Airmen to lead their own isn't emphasized enough, "said 1st Lt. Justin Bateman, 96th Security Forces Squadron flight commander from Eglin Air Force Base. "Since the 820th BDG opened it up to other bases, the training will have a trickle-down effect because I will go to my unit and be able to better train them."

The Airmen from other security forces units across the Air Force were glad to have the opportunity to train with the 820th BDG and learn some of their tactics.

"I think this is an outstanding course," said Bateman. "The cadre are constantly working to update and improve this course. I have learned a lot, including how to be a repel safety officer and an obstacle course safety officer. I have gotten hands on with simmunition and flares, something we don't get a chance to train with. This is a great opportunity."

The squad leader's course uses physical training, classroom instruction and hands-on exercises to help mold these Airmen to be future leaders in the Air Force.

"This course will create a generation of NCOs and young officers that are more capable of leading Airmen, and it is a huge step for the 820th BDG and this career field," said Bateman.