445 SFS practices combative self-defense skills

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 445th Security Forces Squadron conducted Combative Security Forces July 13-14, 2013. The program, which is similar to hand-to-hand combat, employs aspects of mixed martial arts, ju-jitsu and Muay Thai fighting.

Staff Sgt. Michael O'Callaghan, 445 SFS journeyman, was one of a group of 445th SFS instructors who traveled recently to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas to earn certification to teach the program.

"We as security forces need to be trained and physically able to bring enough fight to the fight," the sergeant said. "We have to stay one step ahead of the bad guys."

It's the newest initiative from the Security Forces Center at Lackland. These are the folks who write the security forces Air Force Instructions and policies. They also put the security forces program together that works to keep SFS members ahead of trouble and out of harm's way.

The training included instruction on choke holds, back falls, shoulder throws, hip throw take downs and escape techniques. It gives airmen the ability to defend themselves and others around them from physical assault keeping them in the game to be the Air Force and community protectors they are trained to be.

In the long run, this type of training should prove to be very beneficial as it will help develop discipline and self-control in high threat situations. It's something different from the normal day-to-day security forces training and will help ensure mission readiness.

O'Callaghan and the other SFS instructors completed and earned certification to teach classes on using a Taser, close quarter shooters, active shooters, shoot, move and communicate and using a baton.

Each SFS member must have 10 hours training annually. Each instructor must teach 50 hours annually.

Mixed martial arts is being taught at gyms across the country and, unfortunately, is sometimes ending up on the streets being used by criminals. Military and civilian law enforcement officials have faced MMA fighting techniques while apprehending suspects.