Scott AFB Airmen Train for Elite Phoenix Raven Course

Published Aug. 12, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo
375th Air Mobility Wing

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

Security Forces Airmen spent a demanding week that pushed their physical and mental limits to determine who’s ready for the elite Phoenix Raven Qualification Course.

Airmen talk onboard a plane — From left, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Vanessa Baptista, Tech. Sgt. Vincent Scott and Airman Andrew Karweh, 375th Security Forces Squadron raven candidates, provide a mission debrief during a joint training with the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron as part of pre-raven training on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 5, 2025. 375th SFS hosted a week-long training to prepare Raven candidates for the qualification school using joint Aeromedical Evacuation training, Red-Man combatives, and physical fitness expectations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Shelby Rapert)

This pre-Raven course was designed to simulate high-threat environments and prepare these specialized Security Forces personnel with protecting mobility aircraft and aircrews in austere and challenging places.

Staff Sgt. Kristen Wurtz, 375th Security Forces Squadron Raven and pre-raven course instructor, said this was more than a test of fitness–it’s about grit and how well Airmen can perform under pressure, think on their feet and lead when it counts.

Airman in protective helmet — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vincent Scott, 375th Security Forces Squadron raven candidate, surveys the training area during a combatives training event during pre-raven training on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 6, 2025. 375th SFS hosted a week-long training to prepare Raven candidates for the qualification school using joint Aeromedical Evacuation training, Red-Man combatives, and physical fitness expectations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt Shelby Rapert)

“Ravens are critical for rapid global mobility,” explained Wurtz. “Without us, in some countries, we cannot land planes, or the aircraft commander will not want to depending on the security in that country and their flight line security. So, having Ravens on deck, ready to fly is critical. We stay ready to go.”

Instructors here created realistic pressures to simulate what candidates will face at the formal Raven Qualification Course. This approach increases the chances of successful graduation from the official course and sets the elite standards of the Raven community for these hopefuls.

Airman performs combative move on man in protective suit — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zachary Morris, 375th Security Forces Squadron raven candidate, performs a maneuver during a combatives training event in support of a pre-raven training on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 6, 2025. Morris, along with five other Airmen, spent a week gaining insight on the expectations and standards expected of them during the official Raven training at Joint Base McGuire Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shelby Rapert)

“Throughout this week, we taught the candidates basically what the schoolhouse is expecting,” said Wurtz. “It’s an introduction so they’re not just thrown to the wolves. We can’t prepare them completely in one week, but we give them a glimpse of what they’ll face and set those standards here.”

During this pre-Raven course, candidates participated in a long-distance run, combatives, and tactical drills. They also tackled academic components that challenged their understanding of the Phoenix Raven mission planning, aircraft security, and threat mitigation in hostile regions.

“You’ve got to have that mental toughness. Yes, the training is going to suck, but if you stick with it and keep a good attitude, that shows us you can get through it — not just for a workout, but for missions that can last days or weeks.”

Airmen uses Dronebuster — U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel Olivas, 375th Security Forces raven candidate, uses a Dronebuster during pre-raven training on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 6, 2025. 375th SFS hosted a week-long training to prepare Raven candidates for the qualification school using joint Aeromedical Evacuation training, Red-Man combatives, and physical fitness expectations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Shelby Rapert)

She added that the intent was to assess readiness and reinforce resilience. While not every candidate will move forward to the qualification course, each one walks away sharper, tougher, and more mission-focused.

“This week is meant to set the standard and give them that introduction to the Raven world. We want to find those weaknesses now so we can build them up before they hit the schoolhouse.”

For many, earning the Raven tab is a career-defining milestone.

Airman Andrew Karweh, 375th SFS, said, “I want to become a Raven to elevate myself to the next level. I’ve wanted to push myself further since tech school. When I heard about this opportunity, I knew I had to take it. The most rewarding part was realizing I pushed myself to the next level. My mental toughness is stronger, my fitness is better, and my confidence is higher than when I started.”

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Man running — U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Moskal, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron logistics superintendent and Pre-raven Instructor, runs alongside raven candidates during a 7-mile run on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 8, 2025. Moskal, who is a qualified Raven, provided the six candidates with essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in raven training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shelby Rapert)