Vandenberg team trains for SWAT mission
Story ID 03-26
February 04, 2003
Air Force Space Command News Service
By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Whitaker
30th Space Wing Public Affairs
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - "Put your hands above your head!" shouted the airman as he aimed his weapon at a mock terrorist. Team members moved in, restrained the terrorist and took him into custody.
Not many people see the Vandenberg SWAT team in action, but if they do, it's a hostage situation and the training had better be the best.
The 30th Security Forces Squadron Emergency Services Team began this special training with Vandenberg's first ever Special Weapons and Tactics School held here Dec. 9-13.
The inaugural course included classroom and practical application in hostage rescue tactics, defensive tactics, dealing with combative subjects, response to high-risk situations, bus interdiction, warrant service, and room clearing in low- to high-risk incidents, said Tech. Sgt. Michael Charland, 30th SFS EST team leader.
Charland said the purpose of the EST is to serve as a specialized, flexible and mobile unit, activated to contain, de-escalate and ultimately control all situations beyond the capabilities of on-duty flight personnel.
"Team members are hand-selected from volunteers within the Security Forces Squadron, and all potential EST volunteers are assessed during a battery of tests," Charland said.
Those tests include physical agility, tactics, an oral interview and a records review. Upon acceptance to the team, the new member is placed on probationary status.
"During this period, their fellow team members and supervisors constantly monitor their progress," Charland said.
To remain proficient, team members train regularly and receive additional advanced instruction in marksmanship, rappelling, fast roping, less-lethal force and various other skill areas.
"Our Emergency Service Team provides Team Vandenberg a high-risk response and interdiction team capable of responding to situations requiring exceptional tactical skills," said Lt. Col. Richard Wright, 30th SFS commander.
"The team is a highly motivated and dedicated group of individuals who have received specialized instruction from recognized experts in SWAT operations, including personnel from the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) and German GSG-9 (an elite police force)."
Membership on the team requires regular training and participation in readiness exercises to ensure team members practice their specialized skills. The exercises also develop their ability to function effectively as a team.
"I've done EST before, so I knew what I was getting into," said Master Sgt. Mark Owensby, EST team member. "It's a great additional duty. The training was the best I've ever had in 20 years of Air Force service."
Whether or not a real-world situation ever arises, the members of Vandenberg's EST continue their dedicated training two to three times per month to maintain their razor-sharp edge.
"After negotiations fail, we go in. In the nine months since the team was formed, we haven't been called out yet," Owensby said.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
