Rescue Group security forces Airmen experience total force helicopter training

A 943rd Rescue Group Detachment 1 Security Forces Airman took part in training exercise that helped prepare him and other service members to safely maneuver around helicopters in a deployed environment.

Volunteers from all branches here trained with an Arizona Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter last week. The students focused on boarding and de-boarding the helicopter, and they also learned how to do tactical sling loading on the Black Hawk.

“This training allowed students to get training outside of their career field and gave them the opportunity to train with a different airframe,” said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Doss, a 943rd RQG Reserve security forces Airman, and Non-commissioned officer in charge of the training pick-up zone.

Doss emphasized the helicopter familiarization training was important for deploying security forces Airmen.

“When we deploy down range we do a lot of missions with the Army and at any given time we could be outside the wire,” said Doss. “You may get stuck somewhere and have to sling load your gear onto a number of different airframes including a Black Hawk, and this training familiarizes you with the process.”

For Tech. Sgt. Tomas Diaz, 943rd RQG Det. 1 assistant kennel master for the 355th Security Forces Military Working Dog Section, this training allowed military working dogs to be exposed to the stress of being around a helicopter.

“Helicopters are the main mode of transportation for military working dogs in a deployed environment,” said Diaz. “I’m out here with the dogs to ensure that they are safe in the training environment.”

Diaz stated the dogs did not mind the flying, and he made sure it was fun for them.

“Anytime, I’m training with the dogs. I always make sure they have fun, so they don’t get burned out from all of the training they are exposed to,” said Diaz.

(U.S. Air Force Photo/ Master Sgt. Luke Johnson)

Tech. Sgt. Aaron Doss, a 943rd RQG Det. 1 security forces Airman, prepares to sling a Humvee to an UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a training exercise here. The training helped prepare service members from all branches of service stationed at D-M to manauver around a heliocopter in a deployed environment.