<b>Local training simulates civil unrest: </b> <i> Rowdy ‘protesters’ hurl water balloons, test 62nd SFS response </i>

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The yells and taunts of the protesters were so loud they drowned out the orders an Airman from the 62nd Security Forces Squadron was giving through a megaphone.

The noise came from a group of 25 volunteers who gathered June 14 in a field adjacent to Bldg. 1305 to participate in the 62nd SFS annual civil-disturbance training.

The training is a vital tool that helps Airmen learn how to safely manage protesters, said Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Losee, 62nd SFS.

"The hands-on experience always helps our guys train," Sergeant Losee said. "The more realistic the experience is, the more effective the training can be."

Clutching cardboard signs and hurling water balloons instead of rocks and bottles, the volunteers screamed, taunted and even charged the civil-disturbance team. It was all part of the exercise.

The 62nd SFS Airmen dressed in their civil-disturbance gear banded together to fend off the aerial assault, remained steadfast despite the taunts and even fought off an Airman dressed in protective padding trying to penetrate the line.

The apprehension team positioned behind the line also got practice, gently wrestling protesters to the ground and carting them off.

"It was a really positive experience," said Staff Sgt. Mike Landen, 62nd SFS, who participated in the exercise for the first time. "It was great to have some action in the training. We were able to hold [the protesters] off on the front line."

The exercise also tested each security forces Airman's ability to deal with protesters on an up-close-and-personal basis.

"We have to be objective when we're in a situation like that," he said. "We can't take any of [the taunts or insults] personally."

K-9 officer Staff Sgt. Melissa Szczerbiak, 62nd SFS, was positioned behind the apprehension team observing the action with her dog. 

It was the first time either participated in an exercise like that.

"It was good training for me to see what the dog's reaction in this kind of situation is," Sergeant Szczerbiak said.

In a real-life situation, Sergeant Szczerbiak's role is to intervene and aid the apprehension team if things get out of hand, she said.

Even the rowdy protester in the padded suit, played by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pinkham, 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, approved of the 62nd SFS team's performance.

"I was pushing very hard to get through that line," Sergeant Pinkham said. "They were keeping me off-balance, just like they're supposed to do. They have a good team."