Photo By Master Sgt. Vanessa Reed | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Darcy, Chief Master Sgt. Del Atkinson and Senior...... read more read more
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Within the Security Forces ranks are a group of specialized warfighters known as
Phoenix Ravens. These volunteers are put through an additional rigorous screening and training process to develop skills in cross-cultural awareness, explosive ordnance training, advanced firearms proficiency, anti-hijacking and aircraft operations searches, self-defense, and use-of-force scenarios. With a pass-rate of 50 percent, there are just slightly more than 2,500 Ravens in the entirety of the Air Force. Three of those members are assigned to the 136th Security Forces Squadron at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.
Chief Master Sgt. Del Atkinson, 136 SFS security forces manager, Senior Master Sgt. Aubrey Beaver, 136 SFS operations superintendent, and Tech. Sgt. Joshua Darcy, 136 SFS assistant unit deployment non-commissioned officer in charge hold this unique role and are able to serve in a support capacity as a Raven when needed.
“It’s a source of honor and pride, being a Raven,” said Beaver, Raven 533. “Being able to do something that many people couldn't do—and many have tried. We were some of the first ones mobilized for Enduring Freedom, and as a matter of fact, three days after September 11, I was on a plane headed to the Middle East. We were among the first groups activated and sent down range. That was something that meant a lot to me, because not a lot of Security Forces were able to do that and be a part of that mission at the time.”
The 136 SFS Ravens have contributed to deployments across the world for the past 16 years. Missions have been issued in support of operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Fundamental Justice, New Dawn, Coronet Oak, and Department of Defense flight contracts. Teams have also been tasked with protecting the First Lady, Senators, and other important government officials.
“When I first heard about the Ravens, I was deployed,” said Atkinson, Raven 1113. “A guy showed me his credentials, had a badge and a Phoenix Raven tab. I had never even heard of the program and definitely never thought I’d have the opportunity to go. Then after another deployment, I got a slot to go myself. When I went through the program, I didn't think I would graduate. It was very strenuous and demanding. I stayed in though, kept fighting and I made it to the end. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Training takes place at the U.S. Air Expeditionary Center at Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The three-week, 12-hour-a-day program includes intense physical and mental training to ensure students are prepared to think and act quickly in real-world confrontations. Upon graduating, Ravens are issued a lifetime numeric identifier for their accomplishment.
“The training definitely prepares you to perform under mental and physical duress,” said Tech Sgt. Darcy, Raven 1935. “That aspect of training is definitely challenging in the course, and attention to detail is important because it could result in disqualification. But afterward, knowing that you can perform, operate and make informed decisions under extreme stress gives you confidence in your abilities as an Airman. You carry yourself better and you feel more confident in doing your job and in the new skill set you’ve been given.”
The program began in 1997, and since has been recognized and given various awards. The program was named “Best Anti-terrorism program” by the USS Cole Commission. In 1999, the program was honored as the Department of Defense’s “Most Outstanding Antiterrorism Innovation or Action.” In December 2015, the Air Force Uniform Board authorized for the Phoenix “RAVEN” tab to be worn on the Airman Battle Uniform. Only graduates from the Raven qualification course can wear this badge.
“It’s all about teamwork,” Atkinson said. “We’re only as tough as our weakest link and so we have to work together. That’s one thing Ravens will all say. We’re representing our country as ambassadors, no matter what mission. This is something few people get to do, and if it were easy, everybody would graduate. It’s an honor representing some of the best in the Air Force.”
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2016 16:29 |
| Story ID: | 208333 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TX, US |
| Hometown: | BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI, US |
| Hometown: | BROWNFIELD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FORT WORTH, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 4,458 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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