Tyndall Security Forces add new training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron recently implemented the Warrior Adrenalized Combat Training program at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Eighteen security forces Airmen completed the course Feb. 26 at the base fitness center, making Tyndall AFB the first base in the Air Force to implement WACT.

WACT is a combative-skills training intended for use in a high risk-combative environment, whereby our Airmen can adequately defend themselves and survive an attack by one or more assailants, said Maj. David Boyd, 325th SFS commander.

The first segment of the training defines the word "adrenaline" and how it affects an individual. Students are also instructed on different types of striking moves, how to fall properly with a decreased risk of injury and how to throw individuals.

"We want to give Airmen simple training they will retain," Major Boyd said.

The next segment includes the "gang circle training." In it, one student is surrounded by other trainees who are circling the individual while shouting and chanting "war cries" while loud music plays in the background. Despite all the noise, the individual has to stay ready for a random attacker to rush them. The whole purpose is for the Airmen to remain focused, so when attacked he or she will be able to perform the skills they have just learned without hesitation.

"The 'gang circle' was the best part of the training for me," said Airman 1st Class Keisha Walters, 325th SFS sentry. "You don't realize how your adrenaline rushes and raises when facing an attack situation, but it does."

"When a situation occurs, individuals will have three options; fight, flight or freeze," Major Boyd said. "The Warrior Adrenalized Combat Training will train Airmen so they won't have to think about what to do, just react."

The instructors attend a week-long training course prior to conducting WACT at their home unit. Four security forces members visited Ft. Collins, Colo. last July for the training.

"It was one of the most intense and useful training I've ever received," said Staff Sgt. Kelly Turner, 325th SFS trainer. "It's supposed to be a six-month training course, and we learned it in five days."

The one-day, eight-hour training was added into the 325th SFS two-week training course. In addition, security forces Airmen receive training such as law enforcement operations (i.e. driving-under-the-influence, domestic violence incidents, traffic stops, etc.), taser use, cell extractions and use of a collapsible baton.

"If I was placed into a situation, I without a doubt would be able to defend myself with the skills I have obtained," Sergeant Turner said.

Once all of the security forces members have gone through the training courses and a standard is set, then other Team Tyndall members will have the chance to be trained, she said.