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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I was in the Air Force (Air Police) from '59 to '63.
AP training included qualification on all light weapons up to and including the 30-cal LMG
That included the M3, BAR, Mod '97, M1 Carbine and 1911.
We were also given Infantry Training, (including bayonet instruction) although not as extensive as the US Army received.
The other Air Force Skill Classifications received little if any of the above.
To answer the above, yes all personnel should have fundamental familiarization with the standard weapons of the Cadre. It's uncertain when non-fighting troops may be called to the defense of their units if extreme conditions demand them.
AP training included qualification on all light weapons up to and including the 30-cal LMG
That included the M3, BAR, Mod '97, M1 Carbine and 1911.
We were also given Infantry Training, (including bayonet instruction) although not as extensive as the US Army received.
The other Air Force Skill Classifications received little if any of the above.
To answer the above, yes all personnel should have fundamental familiarization with the standard weapons of the Cadre. It's uncertain when non-fighting troops may be called to the defense of their units if extreme conditions demand them.
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When I as in (72-94) we had to qualify before each overseas PCS assignment (that was four times for me). I think I also had to qualify annually when I was NCOIC of a deployment-ready PERSCO team (I don't really recall - it was more than 25 years ago). But I did qualify as expert each time, and proudly wore my SAEMR. If I had to, I still probably could disassemble, clean and reassemble an M-16, though it might take a little longer than before.
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When I was in (72 - 94) I always had to qualify before I went on an overseas PCS (that was four times). I think I also qualified annually because I was NCOIC of a deployment-ready PERSCO team, but honestly I don't remember. I will say that I qualified as expert each time and proudly wore my SAEMR. I also probably could take apart, clean and reassemble an M-16 if I had to!
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The Air Force use to have an Augmentee program when I was on Active Duty. The would supplement Security Police
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MSgt Jeff Brown
I did that when I was a young airman stationed at Ramstein AB, 73-75. Most of the time, though the only thing we were armed with was a flashlight. I spent more time than I care to recall turning people away from the South Side of Ramstein during their exercises (the North Side, which was HQ USAFE) never took part in these exercises. A lot of people, particularly the wives, did not like being told they cold not check their mail!
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I don't know when you were in but I qualified as an expert marksman in my basic class. Before I went to Vietnam I attended combat survival school at Fort Sill, Ok. In Vietnam I had to qualify again with the M16. I was an Air Force Meteorologist.
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As a combined force, there is only ONE Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy. When I attended the Navy’s Jungle Survival Course as an Army Aviator in the Philippines, ALL of the service members that attended and trained together were taught skills that would increase their survival. Common practice for many if not all aviators at the time carried a side-arm (45 or 38) on their person and many added a rifle or stand-off weapon for the reasons that have already been cited... Further, there were on several occasions where I served in Vietnam that pilots (regardless of service branch) were required to take arm and defend the airfield against enemy aggression. To my knowledge, today’s Air Force Fighter Pilot carry a 9mm Beretta and a M4 Rifle. Bottom line, I support common weapons training for all aviation personnel.
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I enlisted in 1977, got M-6 training and a marksman ribbon.. I was ready, just needed a weapon. )
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