Photo By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Sutton | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Yevgen Pylypchenko, 366th Medical Group dental...... read more read more
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MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho - The mid-morning silence was broken by the sound of multiple gunshots as an entry control point for Base X was under attack.
The Defenders from the 366th Security Forces Squadron were afforded the opportunity to showcase their unique capabilities Feb. 13, during the Operational Readiness Exercise named Sharpshooter 13-2.
"Initially, there was an unknown vehicle probing the area and it attempted to enter the installation without heeding the multiple challenges of security forces personnel," said Master Sgt. Brian Wilson, 366th Security Forces Squadron plans and programs superintendent. "It was then considered a threat and our overwatch vehicle fired upon it."
The vehicle was following orders from evaluators who were testing the ECP personnel on a variety of tasks.
"The individual was acting extremely sketchy and driving around suspiciously," said Airman 1st Class Jahvaun Alexander, 366th SFS response force member. "Finally, it decided to try and come through our ECP and not obey the commands given to it by other Defenders.
"Once its hostile intent was determined, we opened fire to ensure the safety of the base and then evaluators told us there were explosives inside which went off, so we set up a cordon for safety," he continued.
As part of the exercise, moulage victims were placed at the scene for Defenders to be evaluated on basic first aid.
"Unfortunately, we were informed shrapnel from the vehicle wounded one of our guys and he was evacuated to the medical area for treatment," said Wilson.
Despite the injured Defender, morale was still high at the ECP.
"The individual was taken to the medical area for treatment but it didn't look like anything very serious to me," said Airman 1st Class Andrew Ramstead, 366th SFS response force member. "We are trained for this type of situation and are not afraid to do what is necessary in defense of the base. Defenders are sworn to protect base resources and people with deadly force if necessary."
One of the goals of evaluators is to examine the processes and capabilities of airmen.
"We followed procedures exactly the way they are supposed to be handled because of our intense training," said Alexander. "As soon as Ramstead opened fire with the vehicle's mounted weapon I began firing with my rifle as well. There was absolutely no hesitation from either of us, our job is to defend and protect this base from any threat."
Members who are participating in the exercise can breathe easier knowing these dedicated professionals are watching out for them day and night.
"This is what we do," said Alexander. "I love my job."
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.19.2013 10:07 |
| Story ID: | 102206 |
| Location: | MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, ID, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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