434th SFS train, improve tactical force Published July 28, 2017 By Senior Airman Cali Wetli 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- “The line is hot” was called as four 434th Security Forces Squadron fire team members dispersed in a tactical formation.The 434th SFS conducted a simulated tactical training exercise at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, June 4. This type of training allows SFS members to be put in real-life scenarios and learn the ins and outs of how to maneuver through them.Training like this is conducted annually, to ensure troop readiness and to build confidence within each fire team.“It's important that our personnel are highly trained in the skills they will need to perform under the acute stress of a violent encounter,” said Master Sgt. Michael Rush, 434th SFS assistant training manager. “When these skills are needed in the real world, having the experience of performing them in a dynamic, realistic environment is critical.”The introduction of dye-marking-cartridges adds another level of realism to the training.“Most training scenarios you exercise up to the point where force is needed, then you stop,” said Master Sgt. Ralph Ross, 434th SFS training program manager. “The dye marking cartridges allow us to follow through the entire exercise process. So not only do you know when and why to use your weapon, but how to as well.”This exercise required not only teamwork, but also a great amount of communication.“Communication ensures the team operates as a team instead of as individuals,” said Rush. “In a tactical environment, situations evolve rapidly and each individual involved has a unique perspective. Effective communication allows those individual perspectives to merge into the big picture.”This helps Airmen get hands on learning.“I enjoy very few things more than preparing my squadron's Airmen to perform their mission,” said Rush. “It's particularly satisfying to see young Airmen perform well, show initiative, make sound decisions and surpass the level of skill I had when I was in their position. I feel that if each generation of leaders makes every effort to provide the next generation with an opportunity to be better, to move the standards higher, we'll always be better than our adversaries.”The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
