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STS Airmen complete DARC training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Linzmeier
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron completed Direct Action Resource Center training with a mobile training team on the Camp Hansen range Nov. 20.

The training was held locally in order to reduce the costs that were once used to send entire STS teams back stateside.

“The mobile training team made it possible for operators from several organizations to train together at locations that are available to us on a regular basis. This allows us to better build follow-on concepts for future tactical training on-island,” said 1st Lt. Blaze Dunn, 320th STS.

Drills went late into early morning hours over a two-week period as STS Airmen practiced combat marksmanship, close-quarter combat and advanced urban warfare to patrol villages, personnel recovery and securing buildings using night vision googles and other tactical equipment.

The first week's curriculum progressed training from pistol and rifle fundamentals into combat applications with weapon systems, said a combat controller from the 320th STS.

During the second week, the class focused on advanced urban warfare using buildings and small mock villages, where students applied the skills learned during the first week.

Throughout the exercises, pararescuemen, combat controllers and force reconnaissance Marines developed skills they will use to integrate with Special Operations Forces and in support of conventional forces.

“This is training focused on close quarters combat and weapons handling which equates to a basic combat lifesaving skill,” said a combat controller. “Training like this has ensured that they have been capable of fully integrating into the various SOF teams to which they have been attached.

"This successful integration allows them to bring the full brunt of air power to bear on our nation's enemies.”