Defenders graduate tactical training course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mariah Haddenham
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Airmen from the 11th Security Forces Group at Joint Base Andrews recently graduated the Prince George County emergency services course, held April 27 through May 15, 2015, by the PGC Police Department special operations division.

The course required individual pass a physical try out to take part in the course. The try out consisted of an obstacle course, one-mile run, push-ups, and sit-up's.

Five Airmen who tried out with members of several other emergency service teams from the National Capital Region passed and gained acceptance to the course.

The course consisted of tactical skills like rope repelling, tactical room-clearing strategy, and water confidence drills aimed at making officers more prepared for working in austere conditions.

"The course made me more confident in skills I didn't really have before I went and that I can use in my career field," said Senior Airman Chris Korleski, 11th Security Forces Squadron emergency services team member. "I feel good knowing that I am furthering my knowledge that I could need to apply at some point."

Police officers also practiced tactical clearing in identical floor plans of previously searched and raided buildings.

"It was a great benefit to train in realistic environments," said Staff Sgt. Juan Garcia, 11th Security Support Squadron combat arms instructor. "I feel like that was the best way to prepare us for what we may face in the real world."

At the end of the course, all five Airmen graduated and the team representing JBA was recognized with the Most Fit Team Award.

"I'm glad that we could come out here and represent ourselves and the Air Force by being physically ready for the tasks at hand," Garcia said.