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Training for Agile Security

144th Security Forces Squadron participates in Agile Combat Employment exercise at Camp Roberts

Story, photos and video by Tech. Sgt. Christian Jadot
144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Feb. 8, 2023

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – When it comes to protecting U.S. Air Force military assets, the responsibility falls on the security forces defenders. To ensure they are prepared for the task at hand, Airmen from Cal Guard's 144^th Security Forces Squadron, 144th Fighter Wing, trained for Agile Combat Employment, Feb. 2, at Camp Roberts.

As an exercise scenario evolved, Security Forces members traveled to a simulated contested area of operations, then were assigned with assuming control over and securing an airbase.

“We are securing a mock field, operating site, providing security, relieving partnering, security forces, then holding security until we’re relieved,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1^st Class Thomas Lee, 144^th Security Forces Squadron. “My job specifically is tower overwatch. Our primary duty here is to scan our area, make sure and report any movement from outside the base.”

To make the exercise as realistic as possible, the Army National Guard's 1106th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group (TASMG) was recruited to role play as an opposing force during the exercise.

“Our job, is to make it difficult for them, ” said U.S. Army Sgt. Isaiah Lorenzo, a Soldier in the 1106th TASMG. “We are here to play the enemy to get them ready for whereever they are going, or whatever they are doing.”

Security Forces is typically employed in a law enforcement and security capacity at their home station.

“This is an opportunity for them to get away from what we see at a normal built up base environment,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jimmy Schiotis, 144th Security Forces Squadron. “This is what we would do if we were actually in an ACE type scenario: defending a patch of ground that may not have what we are accustomed to back at home.”

Being away from an established military compound allowed security forces to train outside of their normal parameters.

“It’s pretty tough when we’re in a confined or built up area to practice our combat skills,” said Schiotis. “This gives us an opportunity to put all the skills that we have learned, together, in an environment where they can actually maneuver.”

The Airmen were appraised in various operations from security to defending a compound under a chemical or biological attack.

“The whole point of this field training exercise is to meet our mission essential tasks,” said Lee. “To make sure we are proficient at conducting our duties in a combat scenario.”

The exercise was held in the field in realistic weather conditions and simulated logistical issues.

“Our guys came out here with a great attitude, they knew they were coming to the suck and coming to deal with it,” said Schiotis. “They have been pushing through and getting some!”

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tam Ho, of the 144^th Security Forces Squadron, loads his weapon with blanks in preparation for an Agile Combat Employment exercise, at Camp Roberts, Feb. 2. The exercise was held in the field in realistic weather conditions with simulated logistical issues.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tam Ho, of the 144^th Security Forces Squadron, loads his weapon with blanks in preparation for an Agile Combat Employment exercise, at Camp Roberts, Feb. 2.

Airman 1^st Class Thomas Lee creates a range chart during the exercise. Being away from an established military compound allowed security forces to train outside of their normal parameters.

Airman 1^st Class Thomas Lee creates a range chart during the exercise.

Airmen carry training weapons while walking in field.

2nd Lt. Jacob Young and Master Sgt. William Picher walk the perimeter of the base camp. Security forces are typically employed in a law enforcement and security capacity at their home station.

2nd Lt. Jacob Young and Master Sgt. William Picher walk the perimeter of the base camp.

Master Sgt. William Picher keeps vigilant on a flanking maneuver during the exercise. Security forces members were in a simulated contested area of operations and were assigned with assuming control over and securing an airbase.

Master Sgt. William Picher keeps vigilant on a flanking maneuver during the exercise.

Airman lays in field and looks through rifle.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Rajskup looks through his weapon during the exercise. The Airmen trained on various weapon systems keeping that they would typically deploy with.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Rajskup looks through his weapon during the exercise.

Tech. Sgt. Nikki Furnari dons a gas mask during a simulated gas attack during the exercise. Airmen were appraised on various operations from security to defending a compound under a chemical or biological attack.

Tech. Sgt. Nikki Furnari dons a gas mask during a simulated gas attack.

VIDEO: Airmen from Cal Guard's Fresno-based 144th Security Forces Squadron, 144th Fighter Wing, test their ability to secure and defend an airbase in a contested environment, Feb. 2, during an agile combat employment exercise at Camp Roberts.