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Guardian Initiates Mission-Essential Defense Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070718-06
Release Date: 7/18/2007 12:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Wahl, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Sasebo, Japan

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) Sailors completed non-lethal weapons instruction July 17, as part of the defense-training courses for armed watchstanders they will continue to participate in over the next two weeks.

From July 16-27, Guardian Sailors will be exposed to lessons from Ship’s Reaction Force Basic (SRF-B) and non-lethal weapons training, both of which are required courses for all armed watchstanders. Each course is designed to show Sailors cutting-edge force protection training and techniques needed for controlled responses to physical threats.

“During the next two weeks we will undergo an intensive training process between the two combined classes where we will be building on each scenario taught to create a program of survival tactics,” said Chief Mineman (SW) Lance C. Douglas, Guardian non-lethal weapons instructor.

To achieve maximum training value, the instructors divide each portion of the course so that it can stand-alone or be integrated with other techniques. Class sessions include escalation of force, exposure to pepper spray, weapons training and take-down maneuvers.

In addition to techniques and tactics, Guardian Sailors are learning verbal commands and proper procedures. This will give watchstanders the ability to handle any type of situation with the proper force necessary.

“As the courses move into the next phase of training we will have the students apply what they learned so far,” said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Ryan F. Curylo, Guardian SRF-B instructor.

The instructors feel confident that their classes will have a positive impact.

“Everybody in the class is participating and doing a great job adhering what we are teaching them.” said Curylo. “I already had a guy come up to me to say this is the best class he has had during his time in the Navy.”

As the group learns techniques, they are also building a new level of confidence in counteracting potential threats.

“I definitely feel this course will prepare me for our next deployment and my future in the Navy,” said Quartermaster 3rd Class Julio Sanchez. “You never know what you will face out there, so I think there should be more courses like these to keep us ready.”

Some new Sailors have found the SRF-B and non-lethal weapons training a unique opportunity.

“I’ve been on board for almost two months now, so this is my first time ever to have a course like this,” said Quartermaster Seaman Aaron B. Carstensen, “The last two days of training have been exciting, [we are] learning the different ways we can communicate and defend ourselves.”

When the training is completed, six Sailors will be selected, based on their qualifications, to represent the Guardian at the Ship’s Reaction Force Advanced (SRF-A) course in Yokosuka, Japan. Many Sailors feel this will be a great opportunity and look forward to representing their ship.

Guardian serves under Task Force 76 and serves as the 7th Fleet’s mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force based in Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.