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    128th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron gear up for its annual augmentee training program

    128th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron gear up for its annual augmentee training program

    Photo By Master Sgt. Kellen Kroening | Members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron conduct augmented...... read more read more

    MILWAUKEE, WI, UNITED STATES

    11.29.2023

    Story by Master Sgt. Kellen Kroening 

    128th Air Refueling Wing

    MILWAUKEE, WI - The 128th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron, based in Milwaukee, geared up for its annual augmentee training program, reinforcing the unit's commitment to readiness and preparedness. As part of their ongoing efforts to ensure the highest level of security, the squadron is putting its personnel through rigorous training exercises.

    According to Lt. Col David Hellekson, the SFS Defense Force Commander, after years of program dormancy, Col Adria Zuccaro, 128 ARW Wing Commander, authorized the 128 SFS to re-activate the SFS Augmentee & Unit Marshal Programs as an option to bolster our Installation Defense (ID) posture if a situation requires.

    “We are excited to have several enthusiastic members from work sections around the 128 ARW participate in the robust training and adding capability for these important ID programs,” said Hellekson.

    The augmentee training program, an essential component of the squadron's operations, prepares selected members to step into specialized roles during periods of heightened security or crisis. This initiative underscores the 128 ARW's dedication to maintaining the security and safety of the Milwaukee air base and its assets.

    Augmentees support security forces during emergency or unusual conditions. The short-term augmentee needs are for installation-level exercises, events, contingencies, wartime, or emergency situations.

    Over the course of several days, participants in the program will receive comprehensive training in various areas such as threat assessment, perimeter defense, and emergency response protocols. This hands-on experience equips these security forces with the skills necessary to efficiently augment the squadron's personnel during emergencies, ensuring seamless operations in challenging circumstances.

    One of the SFS members conducting the training was SSgt Brian Buster, an enthusiastic training NCO in the unit.

    “It was very rewarding to help develop multi-capable airmen who are ready and willing to support the 128 Security Forces mission,” said Buster. “I was impressed by the energy, professionalism, and dedication that each trainee carried throughout the training cycle.”

    The 128 ARW's commitment to security and its augmentee training program reflects the unwavering dedication of its personnel to safeguarding not only the air refueling wing but also the broader community. The unit's emphasis on preparedness and professionalism ensures they are ready to respond to any threat or crisis, serving as a vital component of the nation's defense.

    “I’m thoroughly impressed with the ability of these guys to come out and jump in the ring right away. They fought hard in combatives, volunteered to get Tased, and exposed themselves to a shoot house in Combat Arms,” said MSgt Matthew Wierzba, the SFS unit training manager. “They really just dove in headfirst on some of the most difficult tasks we train.”

    The augmentee training program demonstrates the 128 ARW’s readiness and willingness to adapt to evolving security challenges, ensuring that they remain a force to be reckoned with in safeguarding their mission and the Milwaukee community they serve.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.29.2023
    Date Posted: 11.29.2023 17:08
    Story ID: 458733
    Location: MILWAUKEE, WI, US

    Web Views: 456
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN