VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Defenders from the 71st Security Forces Squadron went through a mandatory training called Shoot, Move, Communicate July 28 at the Combat Arms Training Maintenance facility here.
Shoot, Move, Communicate is a collection of training scenarios that familiarize trainees in the art of moving from cover to cover in stressful situations while directing fire.
“It’s important to communicate with your team members when you are engaged in a fire fight so that you don’t engage with each other,” said Tech. Sgt. John King, the 71st Security Forces Squadron unit training manager. “It’s not easy to move and communicate while carrying your weapon properly."
“This training is beneficial in those real-world situations while on a deployment or at home base,” said King, about the annual training requirement.
“I was very impressed with the training,” said Airman Breanna Kennan, a 71st SFS patrolman. “I enjoy the active side of my job and learning all of the aspects, not just law enforcement.”
During the class, students complete 12 scenarios using 245 dye-marking cartridges, fired from an M4 carbine and an M9 pistol.
“The dye-marking cartridges used are like using high-velocity paintballs,” said King. “If you get shot with one of these, you will end up with a bruise. In real life, you will end up dead. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to communicate with your partner while using proper muzzle movements, so you don’t accidentally shoot your partner.”