ALPENA, Mich. - Through heat, humidity and rain, Security Forces Airmen of the Iowa Air National Guard are training at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan.
The Iowa ANG members are in Michigan to hone their tactical skills so they are always ready to protect Air Force installations and troops.
During the first week of their two-week annual training, the 72 Defenders practiced urban operations techniques and annual weapon training requirements.
They use the CRTC’s small arms range, training classrooms and weapons storage, firearms training facility, Grayling Air Gunnery Range, and the Military Operations in Urban Terrain village.
Security Forces Airmen are the primary base defense and law enforcement for Air Force units and use these skills on deployments worldwide.
Capt. Casey Ryan, 185th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron commander, said the Security Forces Airmen must complete over 200 hours of annual training and recurring qualifications for all the weapons and equipment they use.
“We come out here and we are able to actually train expeditionary skills and fieldcraft, which is hard to do at home and takes a lot of time,” he said.
Expeditionary skills training includes reconnaissance, combat patrols, ambushes, assaults, and area capture and recovery. They also practice close-quarters battle scenarios.
Senior Master Sgt. Tony Jensen, 185th ARW Security Forces Operations superintendent, said longer annual training trips allow Airmen to get away from home base and distractions and concentrate on training together.
The training will culminate in a 24-hour field training exercise at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain village against simulated opposing forces.
Ryan said the training ensures that the Iowa ANG Airmen are prepared for the changing threats the military faces.
The Security Forces Airmen are members of the 185th ARW and 132nd Wing.