Incirlik 'Cop Shop' trains most SFS Airmen in USAFE

Staff Sgt. Christopher Summers, 39th Security Forces Squadron trainer, right, shows Airman 1st Class Adam Wilson how to properly mount night vision goggles to a Rhino mount during training, Jan. 7. The 39 SFS trains more Airmen, including those on temporary duty, than any other U.S. Air Forces in Europe base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb)

Incirlik 'Cop Shop' trains most SFS Airmen in USAFE

Senior Airman Danilynn Benavente, 39th Security Forces Squadron trainer, hides pieces of a flashlight for new 39 SFS Airmen to find as they practice interior and perimeter searches of buildings on base, Jan. 7. This exercise teaches 39 SFS Airmen to be thorough when performing sweeps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb)

Incirlik 'Cop Shop' trains most SFS Airmen in USAFE

Airman 1st Class Adam Wilson, right front, and Airman 1st Class Alan Love, back right, 39th Security Forces Squadron, move into position as they train on clearing and inspecting buildings for foreign objects, Staff Sgt. Christopher Summers, left, 39 SFS trainer, observes how they perform, Jan. 7. All first term SFS Airmen go through a two week training course to prepare them for whatever comes their way. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb)

Incirlik 'Cop Shop' trains most SFS Airmen in USAFE

Airman Brandi Kleb, right, and Airmen Sara Lyons, left, 39th Security Forces, practice challenging each other as part of the 39 SFS localized training program for first term Airmen, Jan. 7. This training allows new 39 SFS Airmen the chance to solidify their skills before entering their new real-world work environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb)

Incirlik 'Cop Shop' trains most SFS Airmen in USAFE

Published Jan. 7, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The 39th Security Forces squadron trains more Airmen, including those on temporary duty, then any other U.S. Air Forces in Europe base, all while consistently meeting Air Force standards and accomplishing a challenging day-to-day mission.

"Presently, there are over 100 people in upgrade training, noncommissioned officers and Airmen included, and we have a one hundred percent pass rate for end of course exams," said Staff Sergeant John Touhey, 39th SFS unit training manager. "The Airmen in upgrade training are pushed daily to succeed - and pushed hard - yet this squadron still has had zero failures for over a year."

Even with this intense level of training, 39 SFS Airmen say morale and camaraderie is still high.

"As a unit training manager, I've never worked for a SF squadron where the people know each other so well. Many airmen spend time together, not only on-duty for training or while on post, but also off-duty," said Sergeant Touhey. "I've never seen a squadron where members come to work during non-duty hours to get the job done. "

Team work is constantly emphasized throughout all aspects of the Airman's training.

"I feel we have a lot in common and that no one, except a SFS member, can truly appreciate or understand everything we do," said Airman 1st Class Shuntel Darby, 39 SFS.

39 SFS leadership has recognized the hard work and dedication of their Airmen.

"The 100 percent pass rate among our Airmen is directly because of the motivation of each individual and the support they receive from their first-line supervisors," said Master Sgt. Ricky Goodrich, 39 SFS superintendent of training and tactics. "Supervisors and trainers tend to stay late or come in during their off-time to help Airmen train and ensure they have time to study their career development courses."

The trainees hope to eventually use everything they've learned during their training when they are released to flight.

"I can't wait to get to flight so that I can apply what I've learned and perform the actual mission," said Airman Darby. "I'd rather be on the front lines or protecting vital assets then sitting in a classroom."

The 39 SFS training program seems to have positive results for many Airman.
"The hands-on approach that many of the instructors take with our training is great and they love what they're doing," said Airman Darby. "So, if they love it, we're going to love it."