95th SFS adds instructors for ATV certification training

Published Oct. 16, 2007
By Senior Airman Jason Hernandez
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Eight members of the 95th Security Forces Squadron recently received instructor certification on Air Force all-terrain vehicles.

Through the certification, instructors are able to train more riders on the use of ATVs to patrol the Edwards perimeter.

"We recently funded one of the five certified Air Force ATV master instructors to come to Edwards from (Mountain Home, Idaho) and train security forces personnel as ATV instructors," said Maj. Steven Heffington, 95th SFS Commander.

Any previously certified ATV rider who has the maturity and ability to instruct is eligible for instructor training, he said.

The ATV riders begin with a basic rider course, which is a minimum of four hours of instruction and involves both classroom and "in-the-dirt training" on an ATV, Major Heffington said.

"Security forces personnel need this skill for deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility," he said. "My intent is to certify every eligible security forces member in the 95th SFS."

To become an ATV instructor, individuals must attend a 40-hour training course, which consists of classroom, ATV riding skills and instructional training.

"The final test for the new instructors was to actually teach and be evaluated on instructing an ATV basic rider class," Major Heffington said.

Based on manning levels, different sections within the security forces squadron and volunteers will rotate ATV patrol duties once the riders are trained, Major Heffington said.

"We want to get as many of our personnel out on the perimeter so they are familiar with the terrain if they ever need to respond," said Master Sgt. Darrin Hooten, 95th SFS operations superintendent.

The patrols have multiple purposes, Major Heffington said.

First, they are intended to validate the integrity of Edwards' perimeter fence and the condition of our perimeter signs, he said. Second, they are intended to discourage individuals with or without base affiliation from conducting activities on unauthorized areas of the base or breaching the perimeter. Third, the patrols will help security forces personnel gain familiarity with a vehicle they may be required to use in a deployed environment.

Security forces currently conducts random perimeter patrols in a Humvee, Major Heffington said.

"We will continue the Humvee patrols and will begin using our assigned ATVs to supplement current operations," he said.

A complete ride would take eight to 10 hours, he said. However, this will normally be broken into sections and covered over at least two days.

The ATV is an ideal vehicle for perimeter patrols because the terrain around the perimeter is open desert that is cut in many locations by extremely rugged ravines, hills and rocks, Major Heffington said.

"Normal sport utility vehicles or police sedans are incapable of performing perimeter patrol duties," he said. "The Humvee works for the job. However, it is highly visible and restricted in certain areas."

The ATVs allow security forces to follow the small off-road vehicle trails around the perimeter of Edwards, he said. This ensures they do not damage the environment by trying to fit a large vehicle onto small ORV trails, while at the same time, allowing them to completely patrol the base perimeter.

"Furthermore, the ATVs are fairly small and can be concealed in small ravines or behind bushes allowing us to observe areas of the perimeter while not being observed ourselves," Major Heffington said.

Although ATVs have their advantages, there are some difficulties riders may face on patrol such as working in very isolated areas, said Senior Airman Jason Stephens, 95th SFS Squadron Wildlife and Animal Control.

"It can be difficult to get back up if we need to," he said. "Another issue is that patrols can sometimes be seen at a distance by unauthorized people before they get close enough to question or apprehend the offenders."

Next summer, the heat will also become a significant obstacle and will require additional safety measures, Major Heffington said.

Patrols may also be conducted at night, he said. Night patrols would be conducted at very low speeds and with more experienced riders. They would typically be used to move SFS troops to a specific spot on the perimeter to conduct surveillance or prepare for a specific event.

The patrols have already begun and will continue on a random basis, Major Heffington said.

"The 95th SFS is called on to protect this installation 24/7," he said. "We will be where we need to be when we have to be there to ensure Edwards is secure."