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 >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 907
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When I went to Lackland in 1982, we spent about 4 hours in the classroom and did a single disassemble/reassemble as a group. The next day we spent about four hours on the range shooting M16s that were converted to shoot .22LR. We were not allowed to clear our own jams. And with the ammo, they jammed a LOT. Nope, raise your hand and a red hat would get to you. Needless to say, the time given to shoot meant nothing.
My AFSC (flight simulator tech) didn't require the use of a weapon. But, with the "Project Warrior" emphasis at the time, I sure didn't feel like one.
Sounds like not much has changed.
My AFSC (flight simulator tech) didn't require the use of a weapon. But, with the "Project Warrior" emphasis at the time, I sure didn't feel like one.
Sounds like not much has changed.
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SrA Steven Howard
I was avionics from 78-82. I thought our boot training was absurd. My dad was career army. So I grew up around a Colt 1911. I so looked forward to the range. After 4 hours, it was done. I was bigtime letdown.
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As a Command Post controller 1983-1989- I was required to be proficient with the .38 revolver (Air Force sidearm before 9 mm) and the M-16.
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Truth be told, and no disrespect to the Air Force or the Navy, they need professionals that can instruct and can instill esprit de corps. The Army and Marines need to have some involvement in training these civilians to become military personnel. How can one be expected to defend the country that we swore to protect, if they can't operate a weapon or be knowledgeable in self-defense to protect yourself, and the one next to them?
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I was a Weapons Specialist (load toad) in the Air Force for 12 years and was qualified in the M16 and the 45. Never used them once while loading munitions on any aircraft and can honestly say that I would not want most of the folks I worked with to have a weapon. They weren't allowed to have hammers either.
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I knew one guy, won’t say branch, that hated guns and told his command if they gave him a gun he wouldn’t use it in a life threatening situation and his team would be more In danger. So they moved him to a unit where guns were less than necessary.
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PO3 (Join to see)
SrA Steven Howard I would have asked him why the hell did you join an organization built around defense and guns? That stupid movie with Andrew Garfield gave some the impression a gun is not necessary in combat
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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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