Security forces adds Krav Maga to weapons cache

Senior Airman Emitt Smith (left), 95th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, tries to remove a gun from Staff Sgt. Seth Swaboski, 95th SFS training noncommissioned officer, during Krav Maga martial arts training Sept. 14. Thirteen security forces personnel received their instructor certification. (Photo by Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes)

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Security forces adds Krav Maga to weapons cache

Members of the 95th Security Forces Squadron perform combat techniques during Krav Maga martial arts training here Sept. 14. Krav Maga is the Israeli military's official system of self defense and hand-to-hand combat. (Photo by Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes)

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Security forces adds Krav Maga to weapons cache

Published Oct. 1, 2007
By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 95th Security Forces Squadron added a new weapon to its arsenal during a training class here Sept. 14.

The training's focus was Krav Maga martial arts, which is the Israeli military's official system of self defense and hand-to-hand combat.

This form of martial arts came to the United States in the early '80s and was modified for American military and law enforcement to deal with use of force, liability issues and different force options.

"We are here to teach the security forces how to defend themselves in a time of need," said Brent Wilkening, Krav Maga Worldwide Force Training Division trainer. "Krav Maga is a reality-based, practical system built in natural movements of the body making the system easy to learn and retain."

Thirteen security forces personnel were trained for two weeks to receive their instructor certification.

"This training is beneficial for security forces because it gives us more tools to use when engaged in any type of altercation," said Master Sgt. Julia Blair, 95th SFS logistics superintendent.

She said security forces can use Krav Maga for use of force implementation.

"It is another tool in our tool box that we can use in the escalation of use of force," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Sapp, 95th SFS standard evaluation noncommissioned officer in charge.

Through this training, security forces can increase their ability to defend themselves, Sergeant Blair said.

The training consists of combative techniques, self defense, ground tactics, defenses against handgun threats and weapon retention. In addition, security forces received training for long-gun retention, defenses against edged-weapon threats and attacks. They also trained for defense against attacks with blunt weapons, arrest and control as well as third-party protection and hostage situations.

"Krav Maga is well-integrated with similar defensive principles that apply to a variety of hostile situations," Mr. Wilkening said.

The training was very challenging and physically demanding, Sergeant Blair said.

"The instructors drove us hard," she said.

Sergeant Sapp said one of the difficulties during the training was the constant physical challenges.

"The trainers wanted to physically drain us and make us perform the techniques," Sergeant Sapp said. "They wanted to show us that even though we were physically challenged and mentally exhausted, we still have the opportunity to do the techniques successfully."

Krav Maga was developed to be retainable for all types of people under extreme stress, Mr. Wilkening said.

"It is a method of training characterized by a logical and progressive approach to learning," he said. "It is a highly-effective, natural and practical method of hand-to-hand combat for real-life violent encounters."

Mr. Wilkening said security forces performed really well during the training.

"Security forces personnel are true heroes," Mr. Wilkening said. "It is a pleasure and an honor to train them. They show a real dedication and commitment to training."