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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I look at things a bit different. I think all Military should have a rudimentary knowledge of the small arms in use. Likewise children should have some knowledge of firearms for no other reason than safety. Like my Dad taught me when I was young my Sons were taught young and even my young Granddaughters will be taught when the time is right. JMO
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Most of the Forward AF Bases are just carved out roads for your quick insertion and are not intended for permanent Ops. These areas are usually set up by SF and AF Operators. Most Rear area AFB, only need internal security and the host country provides outer perimeter security. However, I beg to differ with you about AF personnel not being able to shoot move and communicate. When I was in IRAQ in 08. I trained AF and several other units in the Operations of the MRAP and the squads of AF personnel were not only highly motivated they could shoot really good. So always never judge a book by its cover it might Suprise you.
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Right, and every Doctor of Optometry should also be a general surgeon because you never know when they might need to resection a bowel. Unlike the Army or Marines, mostt airforce and navy personnel will never be in direct contact with opposing front line forces. But the small segment that may/will be are properly trained; you just don't see a lot of them.
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You should spell out Security Forces…especially when asking questions across services. The AF has SF and those outside of the AF may be misled.
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They do, just with different levels of qualification requirements.
Some career fields every 6 month, some once a year, some just before deployment
Some career fields every 6 month, some once a year, some just before deployment
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If you look at primary missions, you’ll notice that the AFSCs or MOSs are very different. I do support fitness standards as well as war fighting skills for all military but to ask those in the AF to spend their day doing what the infantry, artillery, missile, and tank units do is like asking those same MOSs to fly B-2, F-22, C-17, and a whole variety of other aircraft. It would also be the same as having those MOSs repair, maintain, inspect, and launch and recover all of these same aircraft. To say that that you spend your day differently than most airman is an understatement but don’t you dare challenge the reason they belong in the military just like you. If you are a ground troop in a fire fight, keep that in mind when you call for close air support.
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I was in the Air Force 66 to 72 in Communications. In Japan and in the states, we were protexted by the Security Police. I had to qualify on an M16 every year. When I got to my base in Vietnam, imwas assigned to the Reserve Defense which is the last line kf defense if being over run. This is an augmentee position and being an Augie Doggie, I went thru weapons training on M16, M60, pop flares, M79 and grenades. Not everyone had that training. When I got back to the States I was in SAC and was assigned to the alert team as the communications member. I understand that all members are now bettwer trained in weapons and self defense. Now women are trained as well whereas in my time women were not trained in weaponry.
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If people listened to me EVERYONE would be weapons qualified, like the Israelis. Minimum service, during which everyone would learn to shoot, move and communicate. There would be fewer women who don't know how to respond to an emergency and yes, everyone in uniform should be able to defend their immediate area. Sgt Mack M-14 Expert 1st Class M-60 Gunner
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