Security Forces, Local Law Enforcement Partner for Police Pursuit Training

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, by SSgt Magen M. Reeves, 22 December 2021

A grappler net deployed from the front fender of a 325th Security Forces Squadron truck and wrapped around the tire of a simulated runaway vehicle at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 21, 2021. The grappler system utilizes a netting which wraps around the runaway vehicle’s tire, forcing the tire to seize up and come to a stop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)

The 325th Security Forces Squadron partnered with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Stock Enterprises LLC to conduct police pursuit training utilizing a grappler system at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 21, 2021.

The grappler system is a new piece of equipment Defenders use to assist in their continued efforts in protecting and serving Airmen and the local community.

“The utilization of the grappler system adds another layer to the [Installation Integrated Defense Plan] by giving Defenders another tool to stop would be gate runners or hostile actors,” said Tech. Sgt. Phillip Hembree, 325th SFS resource advisor.

Approximately 18 miles of U.S. Highway 98 runs through Tyndall. Security forces members and civilian law enforcement agencies share jurisdiction of the highway, performing continuous training to enhance the security and safety of the communities.

“Having this system installed and clearly visible presents a significant deterrent,” said Hembree.

Stock Enterprises has been contracted by multiple bases since Beale Air Force Base, California, first acquired a grappler in 2018. There are approximately 17 grapplers in use at installations across the Air Force.

“The system utilizes a netting which leashes to a subject’s rear vehicle tire,” Hembree said. “It will then wrap around [the tire] utilizing the forward momentum of the tire forcing the tire to seize up resulting in the vehicle to be immobilized.”

In addition to the BCSO, Defenders worked with the inventor of the grappler product to ensure proper training techniques were passed to the unit.

“Creating and fostering a relationship with local law enforcement entities is a crucial element of securing Tyndall,” said Hembree.

Allowing security forces members the chance to see the grappler system in action gives context and provides a well-rounded understanding of how, when, where and why to employ the grappler.

“Conducting these joint training exercises and demonstrations sets a framework of how each organization operates and training methodologies,” Hembree said. “This enable Defenders and other law enforcement agencies to be in sync during joint responses where time is of the essence.”

Tier 2” Physical Fitness Test for Defenders

Defender Nation,

Last week your MAJCOM Security Forces Directors came together in San Antonio to work together on several strategic items for the Security Forces Enterprise (SFE).  In true Defender fashion, we started the week off with PT.  However, this wasn’t just any PT session, your Directors got to experience the Prototype for our new “Tier 2” Physical Fitness Test (PFT).  Over the next year, all Defenders will experience the test.

2022 will be an exciting year for the SFE as we work toward official adoption of our Tier 2 PFT.  Starting in early 2022, the Exercise Science Unit (ESU) will send small mobile teams to key locations world-wide to implement the Prototype by training SF Defenders to administer the PFT in their units. This is a great opportunity for Defenders to unofficially take the PFT and provide valuable feedback.  Then in the Fall of 2022, all Defenders will have multiple opportunities to take the final version of the SF Tier 2 PFT during a multi-month adaptation period prior to official adoption, not yet determined.

As we move ahead on this effort with the ESU, it will take an Enterprise effort to ensure we are focused on enhancing Defender physical fitness to ensure our continued success as Operational ready Defenders!

Important Note:  The above photos are NOT the test components…these are the task that drove the development of the components…which are pending approval…once all components are approved, we will have a DFC ALL call to ensure Defender Nation is tracking.

Defenders…Fit To Fight!

Stay Safe…Happy Holidays!

V/R,
Brig Gen Collins
Director of Security Forces

Law Enforcement Professionalism: Training is Key in Accelerating Change

In March 2021, the Director of Security Forces commissioned three, multi-major command reviews to assess training, review policy, strategy, and guidance, and evaluate mindset.

The reviews provided insights suggesting the force should realign on base defense. The Defender NEXT 32 (DEFNEXT32) initiative is an Enterprise-wide initiative that aims to refocus Air Base Ground Defense (ABGD) competencies as the Security Forces foundation.

The Total Force Approach is focused on optimizing the execution of ABGD through training. Security Forces will continue to refine lines of effort to ensure all Defenders are not just qualified but proficient at core skills.

Defenders must be proficient at core skills to ensure they have the muscle memory to analyze and determine appropriate actions for a variety of different scenarios. Training must be executed as it will be performed on duty because failure to do so has the potential to lead to catastrophic consequences.

Veterans Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center (VA LETC) Class 22-01 Graduation

I Defenders -- wanted to share with you a huge WIN for the SF Enterprise as it relates to one of our DEFNXT32 LOE’s.

On Friday (17 Dec 21) we had the opportunity to attend the Veterans Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center (VA LETC) Class 22-01 graduation.  The 31 Total Force graduates of this class met the DoD POST Certification requirements and were the FIRST class to receive Department of the Air Force Law Enforcement “Credentials”.  The primary purpose of credentialing these Defenders is to recognize their professional achievement of completing the DoD POST training requirements and provide acknowledgement that they are certified DAF Law Enforcement Defenders.

As we continue to move forward with investing in Law Enforcement specialization in the SF Career field, we will continue our efforts to credential all total force Defenders who meet DoD POST requirements and catch up on others that have already graduated.

Happy Holidays…Stay Safe!

Defenders Win The Fight!

VR
Brig Gen Collins
Director of Security Forces

AIR FORCE’S

NEWEST

SECURITY FORCES

CHIEF MASTER SERGEANTS!!!

 Air Force’s Newest Security Forces Chiefs!!!

Congratulations to our new Chiefs and their families. Well done!

 

 

Daryl L. Allen

Regina S. Bailey

Adam S. Barraclough

Scott Benford

Douglas E. Bolton

Tony M. Bostic

Daniel Bradley

Anthony C. Chambers

Brandy D. Collins

Micheal R. Crawford

Darrin A. Donovan

Aaron B. Frederick                                                         

Christopher Fuquay

Scott E. Gero

Chad W. Goff

Cody M. Green

Thomas L. Grubbs II

Alvin R. Johnson

Thomas E. Kasten

William D. Kelly

Patrick J. Lombardo

Kevin M. Maloney

Andre L. McBride

Donald L. McKenzie

Keith E. Morales

Gerald Morey

Timothy S. Ogan

Eric D. Pelican

Nicholas R. Pospischil

Christopher Ricks

Francis S. Sabella

Richard J. Smith II

Jerrme T. Stanton

Bradley T. Stem

Shane M. Sudman

Richard J Swank II

Bruce F. Thompson

James B. Thompson

Gerardo J. Ventura

Tory J. Wagner

Nicholas W. Whitney

Lamarcus Williams

Christopher Young

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