Shoot, Move, Communicate: Better training for better results

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breanna Carter
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

The 90th Security Forces Group has started utilizing a new facility this year for their shoot, move communicate training. This focuses on small unit tactics and communication between team members.

Staff Sgt. William Pendleton, 90th Security Support Squadron instructor, said this training has been updated as a more advanced version of the previous SMC training.

“We still emphasize marksmanship, but this is more about movements and communication,” Pendleton said. “One area we focus on is immediate actions. They’re taught what to do when a weapon malfunctions, so we have a drill that focuses on clearing a jam and getting the weapon ready to go.”

Another learning area is target acquisition. For this, instructors ensure that security forces members are able to effectively identify and apply appropriate force to various targets.

“This training has improved weapons manipulation,” Pendleton said. “This will help them if they ever have to respond to a real-world scenario or they’re on a deployment.”

This revitalized training focuses less on classroom instruction and more on actually applying the skills learned.

“It enables better movement and tactics,” said Staff Sgt. Giovanni Rios Vega, 890th Missile Security Forces Squadron response force leader. “It’s helpful to move through the obstacles and enhance communication with your team. I went through SMC before my deployment and when we had bombing drills, the training kicked in and made me more confident.”

This training is important because cops are trained on these tactics, but don’t always get to practice them, Pendleton added.

“A lot of training at this base is specific to the missile field,” Pendleton said. “So it’s responding to alarms and patrolling launch facility sites. This gives them a chance to practice and create that muscle memory. They know in their heads what to do, but it helps to get the practice.”

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lewis, 90th SFG chief enlisted manager, said these types of revisions are important because Airmen will always fall back on their training when faced with any given scenario.

“In order to remain effective, efficient and lethal, units must train,” Lewis said.  “If this training, whether in a school house or conducted on a patch of dirt by NCOs, is effective, our Airmen will win every fight.  This is the reason continuous improvements to our training program is a top priority within the group.”