36 SFS Class 24-04 completes Arc Light Defender Course

Class 24-04 Arc Light Defender Course students assigned to the 36th Security Forces Squadron pose for a photo at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 2, 2024. The course was designed for all 36th SFS defenders to hone their law enforcement skills through various tasks to include dismounted tactics, combat arms training, riot control and more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes)

36 SFS Class 24-04 completes Arc Light Defender Course

A patrolman assigned to the 36th Security Forces Squadron wears an Arc Light Defender patch during an Arc Light Defender Course at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 2, 2024. The course was designed for all 36th SFS defenders to hone their law enforcement skills through various tasks to include dismounted tactics, combat arms training, riot control and more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes)

36 SFS Class 24-04 completes Arc Light Defender Course

Ofc. Frank Fejeran, 36th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, kneels behind a riot shield during an Arc Light Defender Course at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 8, 2024. The course was designed for all 36th SFS defenders to hone their law enforcement skills through various tasks to include dismounted tactics, combat arms training, riot control and more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes)

36 SFS Class 24-04 completes Arc Light Defender Course

Ofc. Joseph Cruz, 36th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, looks for simulated opposing forces during an Arc Light Defender Course at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 2, 2024. The course was designed for all 36th SFS defenders to hone their law enforcement skills through various tasks to include dismounted tactics, combat arms training, riot control and more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes)

36 SFS Class 24-04 completes Arc Light Defender Course

Published Aug. 22, 2024
By Senior Airman Jasmine Barnes
36 Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE, Guam --

Class 24-04 completed the 36th Security Forces Squadron’s Arc Light Defender Course (ALDC) Aug. 23, 2024.

The ALDC is a four-week course that combined annual training requirements with engaging supplemental training. The four weeks allotting time and focus for each student to engage fully in the practical and classroom trainings.

“Over the course of the four weeks, we trained a total of 88 tasks,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Terrance Egger, 36 SFS ALDC instructor. “These tasks ranged from dismounted operations, combatives and active shooter training to law enforcement, forms and domestic disturbances.”

The ALDC student experience was a spontaneous one. One day, students used land navigation to find simulated opposing forces in the jungle. The next day, they tested their aim skills with grenade launcher training; and the following day, they practiced controlling a simulated riot.

The 36 SFS does not shut down during these four weeks though. When the time comes, ALDC Instructors choose five to 10 defenders from each flight/shift to conduct the training and exchange tactics. As each defender accomplished the 88 tasks, they also got the chance to go back to the basics.

“One of our commander’s principles is ‘mastery of basics,” Egger said. “Having our defenders more ready to accomplish our mission helps us better protect the base and the assets that we have.”

Mastery is becoming proficient in a skill and training operations, such as the ALDC, provides opportunities for Andersen Airmen to hone their skills so they can continue providing a U.S. based lethal warfighting platform in the Asia-Pacific region.

“I think this class is important because of the growing threat of our adversaries,” said Senior Airman William Tweed, 36 SFS patrolman and ALDC student. “With us being the Forward Edge, we are the frontline of defense and the more we are trained, the better we can work together to defeat the threat.”

The next course dedicated to enhancing our Defender Corps is slated for October this year.