SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Thursday members of the Illinois State Police Tatical Response Team and the 375th Security Forces Squadron took part in a joint exercise in the Shiloh housing.
The exercise helped build 375th SFS servicemembers skills in entering and clearing a facility and also added in building synergy with an experienced law enforcement partner.
"In wake of the Virginia Tech. massacre, the United States Air Force wanted to make sure Security Forces Airmen had the skills and confidence needed to enter a building quickly, find a shooter and engage the shooter to protect the lives of Airmen, sister service personell, civilian employees and families" said Staff Sgt. Joseph Zelinski, 375th SFS.
The Illinois State Police Tatical Response Team first conducted a briefing in which they gave details about how to properly enter a building and clear the rooms. They then proceeded to demonstrate it for the SFS Airmen.
After the briefing and demonstration the Airmen were walked through practical exercises and were giving pointers and taught along the way.
In the afternoon targets were placed inside the facility and the Airmen first conducted entering procedures with no ammunition while being critiqued by the state troopers.
Later on the Airmen used Simunition ammunition that uses a detergent based round instead of live rounds to enter and clear the facility and determined if the targets were hostile or friendly, then engaging the hostile targets.
At the end of the day Illinois State Police Tatcical Response Team demonstrated the proper use and function of three different flashbangs, which are used to stun and momentarily disable when officers are entering the room.
Lt. Col. Timothy Tole, 375th SFS commander ended the day by discussing the importance of the training with the Airmen and also presented certificates of appreciation to the Illinois State Police Tatical Response Team.
"Security Forces Airmen learned the basics of entering and clearing a facility during the Tatical Response Training, which gave them the skills and confidence they need to respond and react to any number of situations that may occur on Scott Air Force Base" said Sergeant Zelinski.