Elite Air Force Security Team Sharpens Skills with Combatives Training at Ramstein Air Base
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A specialized training exercise at Ramstein Air Base,Germany,on November 24-25 saw members of the 86th Security Forces Squadron receiving advanced instruction in close-quarters defence tactics from the highly respected Phoenix Raven team. This collaborative effort underscores the Air Force’s commitment to building a more lethal and mission-ready force.
enhancing Defender Capabilities Through Specialized Training
New Airmen assigned to the 86th Security Forces Squadron recently participated in intensive combatives training led by Staff Sgts. Kristen Wurtz and Victoria Kelley, both members of the 446th Security Forces Squadron’s Phoenix Raven team. The training focused on equipping Defenders with the skills necessary to respond effectively in high-stakes security operations. Participants were observed to be “focused and motivated” as they drilled techniques and received personalized guidance from the Raven instructors.
The emphasis wasn’t solely on physical prowess. According to one instructor, understanding when and how to employ these techniques is just as crucial as mastering them. The goal is to cultivate confidence through repetition and a deep understanding of both lethal and non-lethal weapon capabilities.
The Phoenix Ravens: An Elite Security Force
phoenix Ravens are an elite security forces team tasked with providing physical security for U.S. resources, particularly during mobility operations in environments with limited security.Thier selection process is rigorous, with only a select few graduating from the specialized schoolhouse at Joint base McGuire-Dix-lakehurst, New Jersey. This demanding training cultivates a unique blend of physical strength, mental fortitude, and tactical expertise.
the “Raven tab” is thus considered rare and highly respected within the security forces community. As a senior Airman and training instructor with the 86th Security Forces Squadron explained, “the actual Raven tab really inspires and motivates Airmen when they see it, especially new Airmen.”
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Enhancement
The collaboration between the Phoenix Ravens and the 86th Security Forces Squadron isn’t a one-way street. The Raven’s expertise elevates the standard of training, while their presence also fosters a culture of continuous improvement among existing instructors.
“The Ravens help improve the training because they have extra skills and knowledge regular Defenders like myself may not have,” stated a training instructor. He further noted that the opportunity to learn from the Ravens enhances his own teaching methods, ultimately benefiting all Airmen under his instruction. This reciprocal learning habitat is driving a culture of fitness and readiness at Ramstein Air Base.
attention to Detail: A Matter of Life and Death
Instructors consistently emphasized the critical importance of attention to detail throughout the training. The skills honed during these exercises could one day determine life or death in a real-world security scenario.
Why: The 86th Security Forces Squadron sought to enhance their close-quarters defense tactics.
Who: The training involved members of the 86th Security Forces Squadron, led by Staff Sgts. Kristen Wurtz and Victoria Kelley of the Phoenix Raven team.
What: The training was intensive combatives instruction focused on high-stakes security operations.
How did it end?: The training concluded on November 25th, with instructors emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of readiness at Ramstein Air Base. the collaboration between the two teams continues to benefit both units.
