569 USFPS: Practice like you play

The 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron performed their first live-fire exercise at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Jan. 20.

In the past, they used blank rounds or participated in simulators known as Milo Range Training Systems, but leadership for the 569th USFPS felt it was time for a change.

“Recently, my commander wanted to give the unit more realistic training, which means more trigger time,” said Master Sgt. Nakoma Pratt, 569th USFPS training section chief. “We took out one of our simulator options and incorporated the 300 meter [shooting] range.”

The live ammunition training is designed to build the unit’s proficiency and muscle memory. It gives them a sense of how their bodies may react in different scenarios downrange.

“We can always play a video game and see how to take down a threat, but you don’t know how you react or what mechanics you’re lacking until you use an actual weapon,” Pratt said.

Using live ammo provides a more realistic experience than shooting blank rounds, and it allows personnel to witness bullets hitting their intended targets.

“With the blanks, you can hear the (weapon fire) and feel the trigger pull, but you don’t know if you actually landed the round on target,” Pratt explained. “(Live rounds) actually give them a sight picture.”

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Domenico Fabrizio, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron installation entry controller, sits with boxes of ammunition at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021. The live rounds were used in the first live-fire sustainment training for the 569th USFPS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Gresham, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron operations officer, sorts ammunition at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021. Live rounds were used to better simulate how someone may react during a real-world situation downrange. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madison Alicea, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron training instructor, right, briefs a 569th unit at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021. Alicea made sure Airmen knew safety procedures and training expectations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron perform unit exercises at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021. Pre-training workouts elevate the Airmens’ heart rates and test their ability to handle weapons in stressful situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Paul Benedict, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron logistics and mobility noncommissioned officer in charge, aims at a target at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021. The targets were 300 meters away and recorded each bullet they were hit with. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron walk to their next target range at Breitenwald Landstuhl Range, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021. The shooting range has three distances to fire from: 300 meters, 75 meters and 25 meters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

The training started with a small workout for the team to elevate their heart rates. This simulated the stress they may experience during real-world situations.

“We have them do pre-physical training to get their heart rates pumping, so they know their mechanics and when they should or should not pull the trigger while neutralizing a threat,” Pratt said.

The live-fire training initiative will provide over 400 defenders the opportunity for additional live-fire training and promoting weapon utilization, efficiency and familiarization.

The effort directly contributes to the development of more ready, lethal defenders to execute dangerous missions downrange and defend U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s “Global Gateway,” as well as the Air Force’s most prominent air power projection platform.