355th SFS beta tests AFSFC's new weapons qualification course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Miller
  • 355th Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona –  Defenders from the 355th Security Forces Squadron were selected to beta test the Air Force's new Security Forces weapons qualification course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 11, 2021.

Developed by the Air Force Security Forces Center, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the course is intended to train, test and evaluate Defenders for the purpose of improving firearm procedures and accuracy. Although a firearms course already exists for Airman across the Air Force, the new proposed course is tailored specifically for security forces training objectives.

“This new course of fire will be used to pave the way on how defenders qualify throughout the entire enterprise,” said Tech. Sgt. George Henry III, 355th SFS combat arms instructor. “This training will benefit the Air Force by increasing our Defender’s lethality. Defenders will be shooting, moving and communicating through the entirety of the course.”

Davis-Monthan AFB is one of 12 installations participating in this course. Throughout the course, Davis-Monthan Defenders and Combat Arms instructors will be giving feedback directly to the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

“The beta test will help work out any kinks that may come with the new course of fire,” Henry said.  “Once the course of fire goes live it will allow Defenders to train every quarter on basic marksmanship fundamentals, tactical firing engagements and night firing operations.”

In the first block of training, Defenders will be taught to properly adjust their gunsights, fire from multiple positions using their dominant and non-dominant hand, fire with chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear protection equipment, and to quickly fix a misfire or weapon malfunction in a firefight.

“This new course doesn’t only benefit Defenders, it benefits all Airmen and the assets they are charged with protecting day and night. Today’s threats are evolving and our defenders need to as well,” said Staff Sgt. Logan Goode, 355th SFS combat arms instructor. “Our defenders will become more versatile and lethal than ever before allowing for better base defense and operations abroad.”