Beale Air Force Base, Calif. –
Thirteen Reservists from the 940th Wing Security Forces Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif. deaparted for Fort Wolters, Texas April 13 to participate in a training exercise .
Patriot Defender is a 15 day training exercise utilized by Reserve Security Forces to prepare for worldwide deployments.
Master Sgt. Renwick Downing, 940th SFS Squadron Leader, said it can be tough living in field conditions but the exercise will be beneficial for the squadron.
"During the training we will work on our marskmanship skills and learn new techniques. It will be well worth the effort," said Downing.
In addition to weapons training and tactics, the exercise will consist of ground combat scenarios, a map and compass course, vehicle convoy and foot patrol operations and self-defense courses.
Tech. Sgt. John Furgeson, 940 SFS fire team leader and five time veteran of Patriot Defender, said the training will build unit cohesion and also educate the squadron on their strengths and weaknesses.
"This is my fifth time attending Patriot Defender and I think it's good preparation because it reinforces all of our training we receive," said Furgeson.
Currently, more than 20 Security Forces personel are deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.