Police cadets tour 100th Security Forces Squadron

Photo By Senior Airman Joseph Barron | British police cadets and officers from Forest Heath tour the inside of a 100th Security Forces Squadron patrol car on RAF Mildenhall, England, Aug. 31, 2019. As part of the tour, the cadets received an inside look at some of the equipment Defenders use daily to secure the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Barron)  

RAF MILDENHALL , SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

09.03.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Joseph Barron  

100th Air Refueling Wing   

Volunteer police cadets from the Forest Heath District visited the 100th Security Forces Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, England, Aug. 31, 2019.

The cadets toured the 100th SFS facilities and saw the base defense operations center, a military working dog demonstration, security forces vehicles and weapons, and the firearms training simulator.

“The visit focused on the capabilities and training we conduct to ensure personnel and resources are protected,” said Staff Sgt. Antonio O’Banner, 100th SFS training instructor. “The goal is to build a partnership and grow confidence between the wing and our host nation.”

Through visiting the security forces squadron, the police cadets gained a better understanding of the squadron’s role in protecting the base. They were also able to observe some of the differences between British and American policing.

“We’ve got such a big U.S. contingent in our country, specifically in this area. We drive around base, but it’s just nice to come on board and see what you’re doing,” said Guy Ainsworth, Forest Heath police constable. “We get to know what’s going on in regards to your control room, what training you guys get, what you’re capable of doing, how you would react to things and obviously the equipment you use. It’s a learning experience for the cadets.”

Base visits like these help to cultivate relationships between RAF Mildenhall and the local police community that will be profitable long into the future.

“In the future, one of these cadets might be paired with our wing to protect a common interest. On such an occasion, they’ll already have a basic understanding of our capabilities and level of training,” said O’Banner. “The benefits of working with an agency that is already knowledgeable on what we bring to the fight before we even show up are unmeasurable. “

• Date Taken: 09.03.2019
• Date Posted: 09.03.2019 09:23
• Story ID: 338168
• Location: RAF MILDENHALL , SFK, GB