445th SFS completes Patriot Defender training
Posted 5/4/2015   Updated 5/5/2015 
by Capt. Elizabeth Caraway
445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

5/4/2015 - FORT WOLTERS TRAINING CENTER, Texas -- Thirty-seven Airmen from the 445th Security Forces Squadron tackled Patriot Defender, a two-week combat readiness training course, here Apr 6-18, 2015.

Patriot Defender takes SFS troops through skills training for core security forces tasks including entry control point operations, urban operations, land navigation, counter improvised explosive devices, tactical communication, and weapons firing. Every Airman was also certified in Humvee operations.

The classes were taught by cadre from the 610th SFS, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas.

"This is the time and place to make wrong decisions, rather than out there [at deployed locations]," said Staff Sgt. Johnny Holliday, 610th SFS ground combat skills instructor, emphasizing that Airmen should ask questions, not be afraid to make mistakes, and be proactive.

Patriot Defender offered "hands-on training that was more fun and helpful than classroom instruction alone," said Senior Airman Peter Nicoll, 445th SFS fire team member.  "I definitely feel more prepared for future deployments."

Of all the field exercises, Nicholl's said he enjoyed urban operations best because it encapsulated what SFS is about: "Working as a team, communicating, and working toward an objective."

For several of the Airmen, it was their first experience with any of the core security forces tasks. Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Blevins and Airman First Class Taylor Young work in the 445th SFS orderly room but asked to attend the training because, "if you're going to work with a unit, you need to know what they do," insisted Blevins. "They look at you differently and you'll understand them better." Both she and Young said they enjoyed the experience and gained respect for the career field.

The unit first sergeant, Master Sgt. Jonathon LeMaster, also chose to attend. He, like all the 445th SFS senior leadership, elected to participate in the training as students, rather than in supervisory roles.

"It's a good way for my Airmen to see what I know," said Maj. Charles Trovarello, 445th SFS commander, "and to see that I'm willing to learn. It's also a great way for me to get to know my defenders and for them to get to know me. The training has been strenuous, but extremely beneficial."

Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Cepluch, 445th SFS superintendent, has attended Patriot Defender training eight times but said, "This has definitely been the best."

Patriot Defender culminates in a field exercise that incorporates all the previous training.

Tech. Sgt. William Hinman, 610th SFS cadre team leader, was impressed by the 445th SFS teamwork.

"They're great," said Hinman. "It's nice to have a team that has clearly done some quality training together on station before they arrive. This has probably been one of the better flights we've had in the last couple years."

Echoed ground combat skills instructor Tech. Sgt. Nathan Hagin, "They've shown some of the best communication we've seen yet. They did a good job coordinating the battle field."

Trovarello said that attending the training allowed him to observe that "my Airmen are motivated and knowledgeable. No one grumbled or complained. When asked, they step up immediately."

Several members of the 445th SFS were singled out for exemplary performance during Patriot Defender. Tech. Sgt. Ryan LaMarr was named top NCO;  Maj. Charles Trovarello was chosen for the leadership award;  and the squad led by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Sexton--A flight, Squad 1--was the recipient of best squad.

Photo: FORT WOLTERS TRAINING CENTER, TEXAS - Tech Sgt. William Akers and Master Sgt. William Speakman, 445th Security Forces Squadron, take positions during a Patriot Defender training practical April 14 at Fort Wolters Training Center, Texas. The two-week sustainment course takes SFS troops through the paces of core security forces tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Elizabeth Caraway)

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