Area leaders experience security forces capabilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Defenders from the 28th Security Forces Squadron provided 19 civic leaders with the opportunity to see how they get things done during an honorary commander tour event June 7.

During the day, the guests - members of the 28th Bomb Wing Honorary Commanders program -experienced the new active shooter training course in the 28th SFS shoot house, among other 28th SFS activities.

The tour was designed to provide honorary commanders and their spouses with a broader understanding of the mission of the 28th SFS - named the 2012 best medium-sized security forces unit in the Air Force - through a combination of a tour of key facilities, an explanation of the squadron's operations, and an engaging, hands-on learning activity in the new shoot house.

"It was nice to have local leaders come out and learn more about our tactics, techniques and procedures," said Master Sgt. Ryan Wheaton, 28th SFS operations superintendent. "Our state-of-the-art shoot house is utilized by a number of agencies including the FBI and local police departments. We wanted the honorary commanders to see what training our defenders receive and how that training impacts the safety and security of base personnel and property."

Those attending also had the opportunity to learn about and handle the many weapons Airmen use to defend the base and witness the precision tactics employed by 28th SFS Military Working Dog section.

Tech. Sgt. Scott Carpenter, 28th SFS MWD NCO in charge, said he and his team showcased their dog's high level of obedience with a less-than-lethal use of force demonstration.

"They got to see a simulated traffic stop and vehicle extraction scenario," Carpenter explained. "A traffic stop and vehicle extraction is when an individual disobeys the orders of a defender during a traffic stop and begins to flee. As a response, we command our K-9 to pursue the suspect and take them down or remove them from their vehicle."

Carpenter said they also demonstrated their K-9 recall techniques, which are used to prevent suspects from being harmed in the event they surrender.

"You can't call a bullet back to your gun after you pull the trigger," Carpenter said. "That's why having K-9s apply less than lethal force is so important. If an individual decides to back down or surrender, we can instantly call them back and calm them down."

The base's Honorary Commander program - similar to other civic outreach programs conducted around the Air Force - is designed to foster positive relationships between Air Force leaders and their neighbors throughout the Black Hills region.

"Our intent is to build long-lasting partnerships with community leaders throughout the Black Hills and provide a broader understanding of the missions we accomplish every day," said Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th BW commander. "We are fortunate to have great support from the community. I enjoy hosting events like this. It helps strengthen our partnerships and provides us a perfect opportunity to showcase some of our fantastic Airmen."

For more information about the 28th BW Honorary Commanders program, call the 28th BW Public Affairs Office at (605) 385-5056.