“The First Line of (Self) Defense”

By

Michael L. Munyon, US-ITF Armed Forces Director

12 August 2007

As the mission changes so must the training says TSgt Michael Munyon and SSgt Brian Nadler, members of the 407 ESFS at Ali Base, Iraq.  Thirty-two new Force Protection personnel arrive at the Muscle Beach gym for their advanced training.  These new FP personnel received advanced training in Challenging, Hand-cuffing, Searching, Hand to Hand/Self-Defense and Rifle Fighting.  Training and education are ways we ensure our people and resources are protected.  The Global War on Terrorism has impacted how we do business and we mean business. 

The classes begin with a brief introduction about what this training is focusing on, which is the protection of the Force Protection personnel.  Force Protection personnel are the first line of defense when it comes to Third Country Nationals (TCN) and Local Nationals (LN).  The threat does not just come from the outside, but from the inside as well said SSgt Nadler, NCOIC Training.  First, challenging tactics are taught.  In this way FP personnel will learn how to challenge an individual or group of individuals in the event they are working alone or with a partner.  Both individual and team tactics are taught during this portion of the class.  Searching and hand-cuffing soon follow.  Personnel are taught both the standing and prone search.  Students are taught what to look for and safer ways of searching an individual for weapons and intelligence.  Theories and concepts are instructed along with the troops performing various practical exercises. 

  TSgt Michael Munyon, an internationally certified martial arts instructor then teaches the FP personnel Ho Sin Sul (Self Defense Techniques) followed by Rifle Fighting techniques.  The techniques consist of weapon retention, wrist locks, take downs and more.  Many of the personnel who have gone through this training stated that it was very valuable training and well needed.  The Rifle Fighting consists of basics such as the high, low, left/right side blocks, the 3 angles of butt strokes, slash, thrusts and smash.  Students must demonstrate these techniques moving forward, backwards and in combinations.

By the time the Force Protection personnel depart the gym they are covered in sweat, tired, but grateful for the time TSgt Munyon and SSgt Nadler invested in their personal safety.  Over the last 6 months TSgt Munyon has trained over 80 Force Protection personnel.  “If the troops walk away learning a few new techniques, tactics and received a good workout, then our goal has been successfully accomplished”.  The Force Protection personnel are the first line of defense that is why we felt compelled to provide them with the Tools, Tactics and Procedures necessary to accomplish the mission here, which is to sustain the Air Power Force, Defend the Air Field and take care of those who take care of the mission.