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?
369K
4.45K
1.94K
565
565
0
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 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 914
0
0
0
I was assigned to an ROTC detachment at a university in a city where there was also a Navy Reserve detachment. Since I had a rifle range for university and ROTC use, I was asked to host an M16 qualification event for Navy personnel from E5 to O4. I asked the coordinator this same question: "why are these people not already qualified?" He said, "Well, we figure if the enemy can withstand our 16-inch guns and then walk across the ocean to attack us, we're pretty much screwed anyway."
But of course, that was tongue in cheek. He saw the value in having his people qualified in the basic combat rifle, and took action to see it done. They all qualified.
But of course, that was tongue in cheek. He saw the value in having his people qualified in the basic combat rifle, and took action to see it done. They all qualified.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
The Air Force is a combat force. I was an SP (now SF) in the air force. One of the duties of SP/LE/SF if is Air Base Ground Defense (ABGD) our duties were to protect the base, so the rest of the base could do their jobs. Like maintain aircraft readiness, so that the base can defend it's self from the air. Not sure if it still exist, but we also had an agmenty force (sure it's spelled wrong) which was comprised of individuals who were qualified to carry an M-16 and would assist our unit if needed. Things at a base would have to be pretty dire for those people to call to action. Today's SF are well equipped and trained to handle any situation that may occur on or around a military installation that they are assigned to.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was in SAC from 1963 to 1966, and the only time I got fire a rifle was in basic training. We were using WW2 M2 carbines. I scored a 93 at 100 yards. I was brought up with firing a 22 rifle. I never got to fire a gun again in the Airforce. Our annual qualification was only none on paper. Our gate guards were all AF police. Ted McNamara
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was aircrafts maintenance and then I switched to Ops. I have no idea how to shoot a gun and that is why I joined the airforce because I don't want to know. I want to just have a job where I used my brain and thats it. If I wanted to shoot people I could've stayed in Detroit. If it comes down to airforce personnel having to use guns, we've already lost the fight lol.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Growing up we saw Air Force pickups parked at the Circle K all the time with a gun rack in the window. They were actually security for the various missile silos around southern Arizona. Everyone in the military has a job, some use weapons as their tool, some use a wrench, some use a potato peeler.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google