Taser Training

Bob Gainous, 509th Security Forces Squadron instructor, demonstrates what happens when the trigger is pulled on a stun gun during the Field Training Officer course, here Dec. 17, 2009. Mr. Gainous, Tommy Hutfles and Billy Matheny trained security forces members on high-risk traffic stops, taser and stun gun use, and pepper spray use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jessica Snow)

Taser Training

Senior Airman Joshua Mayberry, 509th Security Forces Squadron, volunteers to be tased during the Field Training Officer Course, by Bob Gainous, 509th SFS instructor, here Dec. 17, 2009. Mr. Gainous, Tommy Hutfles and Billy Matheny trained security forces member on high-risk traffic stops, taser and stun gun use, and pepper spray use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jessica Snow)

Taser Training

Tommy Hutfles, 509th Security Forces Squadron instructor, fires a taser during the Field Training Officer course, here Dec. 17, 2009. Bob Gainous, Mr. Hutfles and Billy Matheny trained security forces member on high risk traffic stops, taser and stun gun use, and pepper spray use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jessica Snow)

Taser Training

Tommy Hutfles, 509th Security Forces Squadron instructor, removes probes from a security forces member's back that were fired from a taser during the Field Training Officer course, here Dec. 17, 2009. The instructors took volunteers to demonstrate to them exactly what happens when a taser or stun gun is used. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jessica Snow)

Security Forces: Taser trained, ready to operate

Published Jan. 4, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Expletives filled the room, as members of the 509th Security Forces Squadron took turns at the hands of Billy Matheny and his 50,000-volt Taser.

Mr. Matheny, part of the civilian SF instructor team, lead a classroom introduction to Taser use and safety, followed by a hands-on demonstration where volunteers could taste the agony they might one day inflict.

"We're not friends anymore, Billy," joked Senior Airman Josh Driscoll, as he lay on the blue mat, recovering from five seconds of paralyzing pain. Airman Driscoll was among the first to receive "the juice" via alligator clips hooked to his uniform.

A group of hesitant Airmen crowded around the mat, slowly warming to the idea of taking a shot of electricity. As more and more volunteers stepped up to the plate, tensions eased and laughter abounded.

"Tase me, bro," quipped Senior Airman Christopher Garcia, as he clenched apprehensively, waiting for a pair of sharp probes to shoot out of the stun gun and penetrate his skin to a jolt. The group laughed as he writhed on the mat for a few seconds, grunting.

Behind all the jokes and Youtube videos that will no doubt ensue, the Taser training carries an important purpose.

"Non-lethal ways to subdue unruly subjects used to be batons and pepper spray," said Bob Gainous, another civilian SF instructor. "The advantage of the Taser is it totally incapacitates the subject without serious physical injury, and there is little risk to the security personnel. Batons cause damage, and can result in serious legal ramifications, and pepper spray can get into the eyes of cops, as well as subjects."

Security forces personnel undergo extensive training to attain the certification needed to be able to carry the Taser on duty. While voluntary exposure isn't a requirement for certification, it is strongly encouraged.

The Taser's effectiveness became clear to the cops who would be using them, instilling confidence in the weapon. A weapon used in confidence is much more effective, according to the instructors.

"Not only does it give the operator a better understanding of how the Taser operates, they will also know how it feels," Mr. Matheny said.

Tasers can deploy from up to 25 feet away, eliminating the need for security forces to put themselves in close proximity to dangerous subjects who may be armed, making the law enforcement job much safer.

"The base populace can rest easy knowing that they have some of the best-trained, most professional security forces in the Air Force," Mr. Gainous said.