OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Security Forces Squadron’s National Airborne Operation Center Security section and three Federal Air Marshals conducted a joint two-day anti-terrorism training March 2 and 3, 2020.
This is the first joint training for Offutt defenders and the federal air marshal service. FAMS has been in existence for almost 70 years and holds the highest firearms qualification standards of all U.S. federal law enforcement agencies.
“Training events such as these are critical to building and reinforcing relationships with federal anti-terrorism and force protection agencies,” said Master Sgt. Ernie Argarin, 55th SFS, NAOC Security NCO in charge. “To learn from the best in the business is indeed a privilege.”
The training paired air marshals with our fly-away security team allowing them the opportunity to share and compare procedures and tactical skills. They learned defensive measures and tactics, different ways to approach a subject, takedown strategies and handcuffing techniques as well as conducting dry-fire drills and focusing on shooting techniques.
“It’s always beneficial to us that work on commercial aircraft to see the other side of things, especially the military side on different procedures, different operations and how they attack certain problems they might encounter inflight and outside the aircraft,” said John, a federal air marshal.
The training was held inside and outside the aircraft. They conducted multiple scenarios at the 55th SFS shoot-house. Focusing on learning different methodologies on anti-hijacking and re-hijack procedures. Learning to deescalate situations without escalating force.
“It’s an absolute honor to even be around some of our protectors that fly in the skies with us,” said Airman 1st Class Samuel Jones, 55th SFS/NAOC security fly-away team member. “We got to dig into their world and see how their training can translate to what we do. It opens you up to what somebody else’s mindset might be going into certain situations.”
The training 55th SFS members received is considered specialized training, providing the 55th SFS/NAOC security team with additional methods and tactics which can be shared with other members within the wing.
“Training all together gives us a better perspective of each other’s worlds and lets us grow from each other’s experiences and circumstances,” said federal air marshal John. “During these last two days, we built a strong relationship that has information going both ways, which will ultimately open lines of communication and strengthens our relationship, allowing us to continue to work together and learn from each other more in the future.”