Defenders conduct non-lethal force training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dymekre Allen
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Security Forces Squadron and the 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron came together April 12 to train Airmen in verbal judo and certify them in non-lethal weapon training combatives.

"As an instructor, the biggest factor was the camaraderie between both SFS and USPS teams," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ricks, 86th SFS instructor. "Our efforts as a team help to improve both our training programs."

Non-lethal weapons are used by the defenders in circumstances where conventional weapons are restricted or lethal force is prohibited or undesirable. They are also used in combat situations to limit the escalation of hostel actions.

These weapons are used to subdue or incapacitate, rather than kill.  This type of training is used to prepare Airmen for scenarios allowing them to use their secondary weapon tactics in situations where escalation of forces are necessary due to a threat increase.

The training focused on a stun-gun course that consisted of a class portion where they learned the mechanics of the weapon and how to handle it when taking down hostel threats, and a mandatory exercise where the defenders were tased with 50,000 volts of electricity for five seconds to become certified to carry the weapon.

"That was quite an experience," said Airman 1st Class Isaiah Hains, 86th SFS installation patrolman. "As a defender I'm glad that I'm always on the opposite side of that weapon."

The members of the 86th SFS and the 569th USFPS also trained on proper combative techniques using ASP tactical batons.

They also participated in scenarios that put them up against a simulated aggressor that they had to takedown and subdue. In the scenario the defenders had to respond to verbal as well as physical attacks properly using what they learned from the training.

"Verbal judo opened my eyes to a whole new way of acting upon situations without reverting to a physical confrontation," said Airman 1st Class Dracy Green, 86th SFS installation patrolman. "It allows me to use communication to get cooperation."