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?
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 914
My two cents. I was stationed in two different units that deployed me to Vietnam. In both cases we were required to qualify on the M-16 and actually deployed with them. But upon arrival, the weapons and ammo were taken away and locked up.
And during one attack on the base we were instructed to get out of our vans and hunker down behind the sandbag walls. Then the whatever force searching for the sappers damn near shit at us. Only thing that saved our asses was our vehement cursing at the idiots who were going to shoot at us.
After that I and my crew NEVER trusted ANY security force that was supposed to protect us.
And during one attack on the base we were instructed to get out of our vans and hunker down behind the sandbag walls. Then the whatever force searching for the sappers damn near shit at us. Only thing that saved our asses was our vehement cursing at the idiots who were going to shoot at us.
After that I and my crew NEVER trusted ANY security force that was supposed to protect us.
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SP's are qualified in small arms. They were deployed with us (army MP's) to central America. But like you said they were very under trained and looked like scared deer in headlights. Some missions required us to substitute MPs in for them. I guess it is what it is.
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Don't know if your still interested but I was at Plleiku RVN 67-68. At the time I was an E-4 57150.
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When I was assigned to Lowry AFB in 1955 after Tech and Instructor training we were required to qualify on M1 Garand, M1 Carbine M3 Grease Gun and 45 Colt ACP. Having grown up with Hunting weapons I didn"t have a problem zeroing in my Weapon.I had also qualified with the Garand at FT Knox in the Army Reserve prior to AF Duty
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When I became Perm. Party after finishing Tech School and Instructor Training at Lowry AFB in 1955, Were trained on M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M3 Grease Gun and 45 Colt ACP. This was in response to Army no longer offering protection. I also had training while in the US Army Reserve at FT Knox. Grew up handling Weapons as a child in a Hunting House Hole. Needless to say I didn't have a problem zeroing in my weapon
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It scares me to imagine all those guys carrying weapons in the streets. I know a former Air Police guy who probably agrees.
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Seeing as how their last line of defense is going to be themselves I have to agree they should know how to at least shoot proficiently . for their own defense .
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