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 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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I agree that all personnel that are in the military be trained annually on weapons that will be used at what duty station that are assigned to in CONUS or OCONUS. Even if your job is might be considered non-combatant should still be able to shoot a gun and defend your self.
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I came into the AF in July 71, I was assigned as a Combat cook and placed in Prime Ribs. This was a rapid deployment team, had to have bags packed 24 hours a day, also had to qualify on the M-16. Received my expert marksmanship during this time. I can rember having races to see who could tear down there weapon, clean it and put it back together. I did this for 13 years and then was transferred to Electronic Countermeasure on the B-52. Never seen the M-16 again for my last 7 years of service. Did however carried classified from the communications department to the shop and was trained on the 9Mm.
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Everyone try to remain calm in these difficult days. I recall having to fight through the hippies at SF airport.
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I was in the air force from 1966 to 1970and we had to qualify with the M1 in boot camp. I qualified
expert, out of boot I qualified with M 16. I was in the 803 CES squadron. I agree with you we needed better training. I don't want to have to depend on the army for everything. .Who knows maybe one of us would pull there ass out of the fire.
expert, out of boot I qualified with M 16. I was in the 803 CES squadron. I agree with you we needed better training. I don't want to have to depend on the army for everything. .Who knows maybe one of us would pull there ass out of the fire.
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I learned how to shoot while in Vietnam. We had plenty of ammunition. I had a daily range trip with the M14 & M16. Came in handy on many occasions when the North attacked the camp. The SF guys showed me everything I needed to know to help defend the compound. When I got home I never messed with firearms for 40+ years. I decided my wife I needed a CWP. I bought a pair of .40 Glocks and 2 x Walmart 10/22s. I picked up 2 Mini-14s and 1x Mini-30 (for myself). Recently I bought LCR in .22 magnum and a LCR in .22LR. With all that's going on and the threats being made towards white people especially I believe it's necessary to be prepared. I am not and have never been a racist. My hope is things will settle down so I and everyone else can finish in peace.
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I was a mechanic with the 20th SOS in Vietnam. Had virtually no trigger time before deployment. When I got to BMT, I searched out a team member and asked if he would teach me the ins and outs of the M14 & M16. After a few days of instruction I went to the range and blazed through about 1000 rounds per weapon per week. One thing we had plenty of was ammo. Can in handy during a few attacks on the camp. Recently I bought a couple of Ruger mini-14s, a mini-30 for myself, a pair of .40 Glocks, a LCR .22 magnum. a LCR .22LR and taught my wife how to handle them all. We both have CWPs. We mostly shoot the 10/22s and LCR .22LR. Saving the other stuff for "a time like this".
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