822nd SFS evaluates individual security forces skills during exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 822nd Security Forces Squadron recently conducted a validation exercise as part of deployment training.

The purpose of the exercise was to evaluate individuals on their basic security forces knowledge.

"We want to ensure that our security forces Airmen understand and have mastered the basics related to our career field," said Tech. Sgt. Billy Ray Setliff, 822nd SFS training section NCO in-charge. "This is mandatory for those who will deploy and the skills we evaluate are necessary to become good expeditionary Airmen."

During the exercise, individuals were evaluated on how they responded to various scenarios such as entry control point procedures, vehicle and person searches, handcuffing techniques and self-aid buddy care.

"When we deploy, our missions vary from place to place and we might not know what it is until we get there," said Sergeant Setliff. "That's why it's important to know the basics so that if there are unexpected situations that arise during training, we are able to make sound decisions."

The Airmen were placed in stressful situations to test how well their decisions making ability would be.

"The most challenging part of the exercise was being chosen as the squad leader," said Senior Airman Nicholas Reaper, 822nd SFS fire team leader. "I was responsible for giving orders, controlling my squad and correcting team members. I wouldn't be able to carry out these skills without being trained and certified in our basic security forces skills."

Although Airman Reaper was placed in a position that required more responsibility, his performance exceeded his rank.

"He did an excellent job," said Sergeant Setliff. "It demonstrates how well our training capabilities are and if we could place a highly-trained senior airman into a position normally held by an individual who holds the rank of technical sergeant."

After the exercise, the 822nd SFS will compile all of their findings to help organize and plan another training session in the future.

"Overall, they did an excellent job and I'm very impressed with the motivation and teamwork displayed throughout the exercise," said Sergeant Setliff. "We were able to observe their strong points as well as pin point areas we need to improve on. We will relook at those areas and bring it all to standardization."

The squadron's next training exercise will focus on using their individual skills to help maximize their ability to work as a cohesive team.