Posted on May 28, 2015
Why don't all members of the Air Force have to be fully qualified to be a rifleman in case of hostile events?
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I have noticed through the years of being in the Air Force (Security Forces member here) that most people in the Air Force are clueless when it comes to M-4/M-16/M-9. This is outrageous! What are they supposed to do if the enemy comes knocking on our door step and everyone needs to fight. I have taught classes on the M-4 with communication airmen and have seen them completely mess up clearing out the weapon, loading it (magazine upside down or rounds the wrong way), and just completely incapable of achieving a zero on target after four rounds of firing. I am a big fan of how the Army and Marines teach that your are always a rifleman first. It almost seems like some of the Airmen don't expect to carry a weapon (ummmm why did you join the military in the first place)? I wish the Air Force would pick up on this to make us a more combat ready force. But, enough of me what are your thoughts?
Rifleman
3P: Security Forces
Air Force
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 914
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Every member of every branch of service should qualify with the issued service rifle/small arm. All ranks, all specialises.
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The RAF has been training all its personnel on weapons and basic Air Base Defense since WWII. Who better to secure a work area than a troop that works that area and knows the other people that work that area? There is never enough Security Forces to secure a base especially in an insurgent environment. Look back at Vietnam and the current War on Terror for examples. All personnel should be able to defend their areas. Well I'm just an old retired fart, what do I know.
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Because they are hiring on intelegence an good behavior. Not common sense and cunning.
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That’s not how the Air Force works. I’ve worked with all branches and yes, they are all fairly proficient with their primary weapon and secondary if assigned one. However, the Air Force is a more technical branch. What I mean is we value the expertise in AFSC and the secondary focus is on weapons proficiency. This is why we are generally better at our specific job than, say, our Army brethren in the same/similar MOS. Being an expert in a field is not a bad thing, trust me. And also trust me when I say you probably don’t want most airmen holding a weapon unless the base is being overrun
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All branches of the military should have training in basic handling of the M4, and basic marksmanship, thier lives might very well depend on it.
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I was Squadron Moblity NCO, and I can assure you that everyone in my Squadron were up to date on weapons qualifications M16
The only people trained on M9 were couriers
The only people trained on M9 were couriers
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When I was in the Air Force (an 88155 Security Specialist with ABGD no training,) the Air Force had an SP augmentation program in which other AFSCs would get very basic training in asset and base protection. I remember several individuals being as you described. Mind you, this was in the mid-to late 80's.
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