Getting tactical, Blue Coach improves award winning defenders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 509th Security Forces Squadron was recently named the Best Large Security Forces Unit in Air Combat Command for the second year in a row. 

Being the best back to back and with accomplishments under their belt, one might wonder how the 509th SFS could possibly improve. 

Some of their accomplishments include receiving an excellent rating for the Nuclear Surety Inspection, completing 11 missions to support presidential security during the campaign and deploying 65 personnel who engaged in missions from detainee operations to training the Iraqi Police Force, which has been deemed as one of the most dangerous missions. 

In an effort to improve and stay sharp on their tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability, Airmen from the 509th Security Forces Squadron are participating in a series of training classes Feb. 2 - 13. 

"This training was first completed at Whiteman in 2006 and had a great effect," said Master Sgt. Randy Wyatt, 509th SFS. 

The training, called the Air Force Blue Coach Initiative, began at Whiteman in 2006, when an entire flight participated in the intense training program. Airmen of all ranks trained in preparation for the Mighty Guardian exercise. During this exercise, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency brought in outside forces to test the Air Force's defenses. 

Upon successful completion of the exercise, the Air Force decided this was training all security forces members needed. Subsequently, Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, director of Security Forces, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., directed all Security Forces units to undergo the training. 

Whiteman was the second only to Minot AFB, N.D., in Air Combat Command to receive this tactical training during the fiscal 2009. 

"Blue Coach Training will allow 509th SFS Airmen and non-commissioned officers alike to better move, shoot and communicate in the protection of priority assets," said Sergeant Wyatt. "It gives the most junior Airman a more situational aware mindset while broadening their leadership skill set in tactical environments and demonstrates more evolved tactics and procedures to the seasoned Security Forces vets." 

"It will enhance the mission of the 509th SFS and give us a 'step up' in the face of international and asymmetrical terrorism," he added. 

The instructors, former Navy SEALs, cover a wide variety of topics aimed at improving Security Forces. 

"If one day my duties call upon me to employ these tactics I will feel much more confident that I will be able to successfully and effectively do so," said Senior Airman Gregory Lenz, 509th SFS. "It also gives us some comfort to hear that these tactics actually work from people who have used them." 

This course is definitely a must and should continue, said Sergeant Wyatt. 

"We have some great NCOs and Airmen in our unit," said Major James. "They prove day in and day out that the enlisted corp is the backbone of the Air Force."