Into the night, Security Forces light up the range Published Nov. 1, 2011 By Senior Airman Damon Kasberg 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Airmen from the 434th Security Forces Squadron deploy throughout the world in support of the Air Force mission and must be ready to face a variety of obstacles and challenges, even in the dark of night. During a recent unit training assembly, 434th SFS Airmen took part in a night firing exercise where they shot their M-4 carbine rifles at targets that were 25 meters away. Giving the edge to the Airmen over their darkened targets were night vision sights mounted on their weapons and special tracer rounds, which help them place their shots down range. "Training gets increasingly technical for Airmen because the enemies around the world adapt to these wartime environments," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Rinella, 434th SFS combat arms apprentice. "We have to make sure we are the number one fighting force." Prior to going to the range the airmen attended a classroom portion of the training, where they learned the ins and outs of their rifle's bullets, and sights. The training went into detail about the functions of the rifle, what to do in case of malfunctions and how to carry and reload the rifle. They also performed dry firing, which is firing the weapon without a bullet in the chamber, to practice trigger control, which is the art of keeping one's body still through breathing techniques and discipline skills to avoid anticipation of recoil. Each year the 434th SFS Airmen qualify twice at the range, but also undergo a myriad of combat skills training to keep their skills sharp; skills that may one day save their lives or the lives of others. The 434th SFS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
