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 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 907
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When I went through BMTS in 1980, we all went through M-16 training & target shooting. We were told everyone needed to learn weapon basics for the reason of wartime situations. Everyone needed to defend themselves, others & the base. Since I was going into Security Police, I thought (to myself) it would be prudent to get the marksmanship ribbon. Which I did.
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I spent 23 years in the Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst, and usually only had the opportunity to qualify with the M-16 about every 18 months. There were times when I had to qualify with a 9-MM and a Shotgun due to Temporary Duty Assignments, but the Air Force was never really comfortable with having every Airman on Base armed. The only time I had to carry a weapon outside a training environment was the year I went to Honduras in the early 1990's. Before traveling off the base, we would have to go by the Armory and check out a 9-MM for self-protection. Once we returned to base, the weapons went back to the Armory. I always enjoyed the days in class and on the range, making sure I could properly handle a weapon, if issued one.
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News to me. I enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 and went through rifle training and qualified with the M-16. That Lackland sun was hot enough to melt the shine right off your boots!
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Suspended Profile
When I was Air Force in the 80s, it was a given that Airmen were non-combatant. I was a mechanic (AFSC 45255) My mission was to keep jets flying. My mission wasn't turning magazines, but turning wrenches and busting knuckles so the pilots can drop steal rain on the enemy.
When I was in Basic BMTS 3706, Flight 209 1983, we had a dry fire and wet fire and the M-16 I had was fitted for .22 not .223/5.56 on the day of the range, the instructer just wanted you to hit paper. No zero, no instruction on trigger pull or controlled breathing.
Since joining the Army National Guard, there is a major difference in the mission and mission requirements. I am having more fun in the Army than I did in the AF.
When I was in Basic BMTS 3706, Flight 209 1983, we had a dry fire and wet fire and the M-16 I had was fitted for .22 not .223/5.56 on the day of the range, the instructer just wanted you to hit paper. No zero, no instruction on trigger pull or controlled breathing.
Since joining the Army National Guard, there is a major difference in the mission and mission requirements. I am having more fun in the Army than I did in the AF.
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You take care of your branch of service and the USAF will continue to do the outstanding job that they have been doing since 1947.
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That’s why it’s your job to train them when they need the training. It’s called as-needed for a reason. Most people don’t need it at home station or even at a large deployment base because you are the one that’s supposed to be on patrol and on the wall. USAF’s job is to be in the rear with the gear.
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The Navy isn't much better at training most sailors in this either. If you don't stand a watch requiring a weapon or are on a security alert team you may never touch a weapon. I believe a service personnel should have to qualify with the standard issue weapons.
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I think that any AF prsnl heading to an AB or FB in a hostile and risky AO should do some predeployment training to get their infantry and wpns skills on par. But for any AF prsnl that never leave the CONUS that is not necessary.
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I could be wrong, but I think it's because the function of most Air Force personnel has nothing to do with handling a firearm of any kind. The only Airmen I've ever know to be the exception on that are Security Forces and JTACs (my artillery-related brethren). And maybe, just maybe, THAT is why I would often see them in PT uniform with an improperly slung M16A2 whenever I was deployed. Still love my Air Force, though. Every single day.
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