SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. – A unit training event on June 6 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base served as a practical test of the skills that keep Airmen, civilians and bases safe. During the event, Security Forces Airmen, known as defenders, from the 127th Security Forces Squadron, Michigan National Guard, were challenged on their marksmanship, physical fitness and teamwork.
By combining weapons proficiency and job knowledge with physical and mental tasks, unit training events like this sharpen readiness, expose training gaps and reinforce teamwork through healthy competition.
“The main purpose of this is camaraderie, building a team,” said Master Sgt. Caitlyn Walker, 127th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of training. “We wanted to ensure everyone had a good time while being challenged effectively in ways that will truly benefit them moving forward.”
Unit leadership’s goal was to pull defenders out of their routine duties and drive them into unexpected, high-stress situations that required quick decision-making.
The event began with a one-mile ruck march to the firing range, where defenders navigated a mix of paved roads and rough terrain while carrying nearly 50 pounds of combat gear. The march was designed to induce fatigue before testing their ability to shoot accurately in an emergency.
At the firing range, defenders fired on multiple courses using both pistols and rifles. They were also required to shoot with their non-dominant hand, forcing them to adapt to dynamic conditions.
“Security Forces [squadron] is always ready. We train for the worst outcome to happen and want to be ready for anything,” said Tech. Sgt. Trenton Webster, 127th SFS unit training manager.
The event concluded at the running track, where defenders completed a half-mile run before performing low crawls, buddy carries and a team-based reassembly of a disassembled M249 squad automatic weapon. This tested their physical endurance, weapons knowledge and ability to collaborate under duress.
This event not only pushed defenders to their physical limits, but it also reinforced the pride they take in their mission. Even while exhausted, the team left the field with a clear reminder of why they push themselves so hard.
Webster said, “We’re out here to defend and protect, and we’re going to do a damn good job at that.”