Scott AFB revitalizes Air Base Consolidated Defense program

Published May 9, 2022
By Staff Sgt. Solomon Cook
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

Airmen take part in subject detention training — Scott AFB revitalizes Air Base Consolidated Defense program

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Polzin, 375th the 375th Security Forces Squadron trainer, instructs detaining tactics during an Agile Base Defense Course training block on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 28, 2022. Instructors focused on combat readiness and security forces tactics during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Solomon Cook)

SLIDESHOW | 15 images | Scott AFB revitalizes Air Base Consolidated Defense program

The 375th Security Forces Squadron has reintroduced the Agile Base Defense Course program, otherwise known as the SF augmentee program for First Term Airmen Course students. Prior to this revitalization, members of Team Scott would be trained and then may have a permanent change of station shortly thereafter.

To eliminate the loss of trained and knowledgeable augmentees, 10 Airmen who recently completed the First Term Airman’s Course were identified within the beginning of their tour April 29, 2022.

As the program continues, the 375th SFS will train an FTAC class quarterly.

The Airmen completed a five-day classroom, hands-on and scenario based training curriculum that covered facets of security forces core competencies from authenticating identifications to apprehending subjects. With the training concluded, the 375th SFS have now bolstered their capabilities by having dedicated personnel who can be called upon if Force Protection Conditions increase.

“Every Airman is a sensor, and it's everybody's responsibility to maintain the security of the air base,” said Tech. Sgt. Trevor Mercer, 375th Security Forces Squadron S3T Trainer. “They're fresh to the base and like a sponge for learning.”

Throughout the training, Airmen are given various certifications such as Tactical Combat Causality Care and weapons qualifications, which also increases their readiness for their unit. TCCC is an evolution of Self-Aid and Buddy Care that focuses on administering care under fire and providing Airmen with the knowledge needed to give aid to a wingman in real-world events. With the weapons qualifications, the augmentees became familiarized with the M-4 and M-18 weapon systems.

The first day, we learned basics of what we would be doing, as well as gun safety. We were able to get on certified on the M4A1 and the M18. I thought was really cool because not a lot of people get to do that – especially as a young Airman.

Airman 1st Class Sophia Guerrero, 375th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment

Mercer said he looks forward to the growth of this program and its ability to add benefit to Airmen going through the course as well as safeguarding the assets of Scott.

“This is going to be a continuous process to implement the total force-mindset of integrative base defense,” he explained. “They received the same training that we would give our security forces members when it comes to the proper use of force when encountering a subject, proper techniques to challenge and handcuff individuals, and basic situational awareness as a security force member. This provided them a glimpse through that lens that we see day-to-day to ensure the security of the insulation.”

Mercer said he was thankful for the first group he trained and the attitude they came into the program with.

“This group that we have right now has been really receptive,” he touted. “They've been enthusiastic the entire time. It is nice for us as instructors to have Airmen who are willing to learn and has the mindset that this is going to be beneficial to them, not only now, but throughout their career”

Appreciations were not exclusive to the instructors whose focus was increasing the combat readiness of the Showcase Wing. On the final day of the training, Airmen reflected on their training and what it did for them.

“My favorite part would definitely have to be the fourth day when we learned challenging, detaining and searching [an individual,]” Guerrero said with a grin. “You don't know how many tools you have in your toolbox until you're actually shown them. I thought that was really cool to see myself take on someone that's a lot bigger than me, taller than me, and have them do as I tell them. I was able to apprehend someone. I thought that was really, really eye opening. It was a morale boost for sure.”

Mercer added, “Instilling that warrior mindset in our young Airmen is crucial. Especially, with seeing events worldwide, we're not just individual career fields that make up the Air Force – it takes a total team effort. It requires every Airman to fully understand that it's their responsibility for security and not just the beret wearers.”