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Shots Fired! CATM trains Defenders for deployments

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Jeremy Tarrats, 18th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, practices clearing his M4 carbine during a combat arms training and maintenance course April 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The CATM training course prepares members for real-world deployments across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)

Shots Fired! CATM trains Defenders for deployments

Airmen assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron practice quick firing and reloading procedures during a combat arms training and maintenance course April 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Proper cooperation and training on the multiple weapons systems ensures Airmen are continually ready and qualified to complete missions daily. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)

Shots Fired! CATM trains Defenders for deployments

Airmen assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron get M9 pistol magazines during a combat arms training and maintenance course April 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Defenders prepare for real-world deployments with mission-specific training and use the CATM range to ensure success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)

Shots Fired! CATM trains Defenders for deployments

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Jasmin Amaral, 18th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, fires her M9 pistol during a qualification course at the combat arms training and maintenance facility April 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Training from CATM is required when Airmen deploy, move within a 90-day window, or have line of duty requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)

Shots Fired! CATM trains Defenders for deployments

Airmen assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron fire their M9 pistols during a quick-firing course inside the combat arms training and maintenance facility April 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Defenders fire their assigned pistols regularly along with other mission-specific training and use the CATM range to ensure success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton)

Shots Fired! CATM trains Defenders for deployments

Published May 5, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Wearing flack vests and helmets, adrenaline pulsing through their bodies, security forces Airmen concentrated on one thing: firing multiple rounds directly into the target as quickly and accurately as possible.

One day their life, or the life of a fellow Airman, may depend on these warfighting reflexes.

"Our main responsibility is to safely qualify members in combat marksmanship," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Wilson, 18th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of combat arms training and maintenance. "We train a variety of members because CATM is required when Airmen deploy, move within a 90-day window, or have line of duty requirements."

Wilson explained that most students fire on a yearly basis which, depending on the weapon system, can require very extensive training.

"Many members, and especially Defenders, need to prepare for real-world deployments across the globe," said Wilson. "These mission-specific requirements while challenging, are essential to continuous combat effectiveness."

Team Kadena also has an additional opportunity of working closely with local Japanese security guards in order to defend and execute base operations.

"We also have many local guards who we train with here on Okinawa," said Wilson. "It's important for us to have that culture of respect and seamless cooperation with our fellow civilian guards."

Proper cooperation and training on the multiple weapons systems ensures Airmen are continually ready and qualified to complete missions daily.

"Teaching and showing students the correct way to use their weapons and then watch as they succeed out on the firing line is my favorite part of being an instructor," said Staff Sgt. John Parsons, 18th SFS CATM instructor. "For me, patience is vital. Many students do not have realistic training of firing these weapons every day, so it's important to take it slow at first and ensure effectiveness in weapons handling."

Parsons continued by explaining that this more than just a job to him and his fellow instructors -it's a calling.

"We are practitioners of the Profession of Arms and take that responsibility seriously," he said. "As CATM instructors, we strive to train members as experts in using lethal force if necessary. As warfighters, this is a responsibility we take extremely seriously."