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Security Forces Airman utilizes film background to improve training

  • Published
  • By Katherine Franco
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

A 412th Security Forces Squadron Airman recently used his film-making background to enhance training at the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance, CATM, on Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Staff Sgt. Charles Spellman, 412th SFS Standardization and Evaluations, saw a way to improve the Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives (MILO) simulator by incorporating scenarios filmed on-location into the MILO software.

“I’ve always found it interesting to be able to incorporate film into our Defender training as best as we can,” Spellman said. “We live in a very modern age of society where everything is on (social media), so however we can incorporate a video medium into our training, makes things a lot easier.”

MILO is a training simulator at the CATM that utilizes live-action video to help Defenders build and strengthen muscle memory instincts so that when it's time to act, they can remember what they've learned and make the best decisions they can.

“Training is important because we want our Defenders to have access to the most realistic training that we can get without actually putting them in harm’s way because with our Security Forces, it’s not a matter of if, it is a when,” said Spellman.

MILO allows training managers to develop unique situations that can be digitally recorded and submitted. This allows trainers to construct simulated circumstances at particular sites or facilities throughout the 412th Test Wing allowing defenders to practice for actual events. Spellman used base videography services to film the action at certain locations, including branching scenario outcomes.

The former film student then used his knowledge of film-editing software to tailor the videos into the training objectives. Spellman explained that filming at actual Edwards AFB locations makes the training more immersive by allowing Defenders to see the place where they might run into a situation. First responders have to be ready to handle any situation when they get there.

“That’s what these scenarios are designed for,” Spellman said. “It’s to be able to put you in the shoes of your Defender who’s at an entry control point or out on a patrol, and be able to see the place that their going to potentially run into a scenario and then run with it…We want them to have as much access to these as possible.”

Spellman added that having the knowledge base of film editing will improve the MILO training experience by enabling operators to update and include different scenarios with emerging threats as they see fit.

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.