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McConnell Reservists take on "The Redman"

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KAn. --  Staff Sgt. Bronsha Smith was getting ready to take a beating.

"I guess everyone wants a shot at the title," said Smith as he adjusted the helmet piece of a "Redman" padded protective suit that covered virtually every inch of his body.

Smith, a member of the Air Force Reserve 931st Security Forces Squadron here, was preparing to play the role of attacker for a squadron exercise, during which his squadron mates would practice striking and blocking techniques against him, taking their best shots at the red-suited aggressor.

During the January UTA, members of the 931st Security Forces Squadron trained in striking and blocking, as well as use of a baton to subdue an attacker. The bouts against the "Redman" were designed to test their skills in a real-world scenario.

"Last year when we trained, we focused on the details of the strikes," said Lt. Col. Edward Hunn, commander of the 931st Security Forces Squadron. "These one-on-one bouts help our members develop confidence in their training as well as refresh their skills."

The high-impact exercise was demanding, but provided valuable training.

"It was rough, but it was really fun too," said Tech. Sgt. Tyrel Askren after his bout against the "Redman," working on striking and blocking. "The focus is on learning to get separation, to give yourself room to draw your weapon and defend yourself."
Senior Airman Shirrell Cummings said the bouts provided an opportunity to apply the squadron's training.

"It lets you see how the techniques they are teaching us work," said Cummings. "You know that if you give an attacker a shot to the thigh with a baton, they are going to go down."

As part of the training, Hunn donned the "Redman" suit and played the role of aggressor, giving his troops a chance to take a few shots at their commander.

"I'm a part of this squadron too," said Hunn. "This gives me an opportunity to be out here and take part in this training, and help the members of the squadron as they work on their skills."

Members of the squadron pointed out that this training is just one lesson of many they will need to master for upcoming deployments.

"This is just one tool we'll need to have in our toolbox when we go downrange," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Horine. "Each skill and lesson we work on is getting us prepared to accomplish the mission in the future."