BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Security Forces Squadron traveled to Aviano Air Base, Italy, for required annual training Sept. 14-27, 2024.
The type of training conducted was dictated by a shift in priorities reflecting the changing security environment and the increasing importance of protecting air bases from ground threats. It focused on key areas of integrated defense, including close-quarters battle scenarios, domestic violence response, and active shooter threat management.
“The squadron is no longer in the ‘crawl’ phase and is moving forward with more advanced/tactical training,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Shaunna Reed, 140th SFS commander.
The military follows the 3-step training model “Crawl-Walk-Run” to develop and understand the basics while progressively building toward real life situations.
The training included realistic exercises that simulated real-world scenarios and challenges to better prepare the squadron for its mission downrange serving combatant commanders.
“The focus on air base ground defense will enable the squadron to effectively protect critical assets from a range of potential threats, and to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an attack or other emergency,” Reed said. “Having the training take place at Aviano Air Base allowed us to reinforce the importance of international partnerships and hone critical security skills in collaboration with allied forces.”
This joint training exercise provided an opportunity for U.S. Airmen to work side by side with international partners which strengthens interoperability and enhances the security of shared operational environments.
Reed said a highlight of the training was the collaboration with host nation forces and other military units on civil disturbance response techniques, emphasizing the vital role of rapid and informed decision-making during these incidents. Additionally, integrated exercises on active shooter threats tested both groups' response times and their ability to neutralize potential threats while protecting innocent lives.
“Working with our allied counterparts in these high-pressure scenarios is crucial,” she said. “It ensures that in real-world situations, we can operate seamlessly together, delivering a coordinated and effective response.”
The combined efforts of the 140 SFS Airmen alongside 31st SFS Airmen at Aviano Air Base, and the Italian Force Protection counterparts served as a force multiplier for integrated defense efforts. The collaborative approach focused on enhancing base security, providing force protection measures, and simulating potential threats in a controlled, high-stakes environment.
“Our ability to integrate with both domestic and international teams directly translates to real-world capabilities,” Reed said. “By training together, we ensure that we are always ready to meet the challenges of modern threats, whether they come from inside or outside our perimeters.”
In the coming year, personnel from the 140th SFS will be deployed, where they will be responsible for carrying out their mission and supporting military operations.
“The annual training at Aviano Air Base underscores the COANG’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of readiness and fostering strong international partnerships,” Reed said. “These exercises not only prepare Airmen for a wide variety of scenarios but also build lasting relationships that enhance global security.”
The squadron will also be on standby to provide support during the upcoming elections, as required, and will also participate in a 5-day field exercise at the 168th Regional Training Institute, Fort Carson, Colorado, where they will have the opportunity to train and test their skills in a realistic environment.
The squadron will continue to train for its domestic operations requirement for the National Guard Reaction Force. This will ensure that the squadron is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to domestic emergencies and disasters. In addition, SFS will be standing up a Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program to help train toward the future of warfighting capabilities.
140th SFS will have the opportunity to work closely with NATO allies as part of the Super Squad initiative. This will involve joint training and exercises with NATO forces and will provide the squadron with valuable experience and insights into working with international partners.
Finally, members of the squadron also participated in the Best Warrior Competition at Fort Carson, Oct. 24-27, 2024, alongside their Colorado Army National Guard counterparts. This competition was a chance for Soldiers and Airmen to showcase their skills and abilities, and to compete against their peers in a range of challenging events from rucking, land navigation, and pro-firing.