Tactical Response Force Airmen showcase talents to wing leadership
By Valerie Mullett, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
/ Published February 09, 2007
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE,. MONT. -- Two members of the 341st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force competed blindfolded in a head-to-head demonstration of their skills at identifying, separating and reassembling the parts of four weapons they use on a regular basis while carrying out their daily duties.
Senior Airman Zachary Hawn and Airman 1st Class Ryan Link performed the task in front of several wing leaders in the 341st Space Wing command section offices Feb. 2. The weapons each Airman had to assemble included a semi-automatic M-9 pistol, M4 carbine, M240B machine gun and M249 automatic rifle, which were broken down and placed into two separate piles on the floor.
Senior Master Sgt. David Huerd, 341st TRF superintendent, introduced the pair and explained what they would attempt to accomplish. Col. William Hughes, 341st Maintenance Group commander, then issued a promise to give the winner one of his coins upon completion.
After a countdown, the pair felt their way to separating the pieces into working piles and proceeded to wow their audience.
"The M240B is the easiest [to get back together] because there are less rails and pieces to put back together," said Airman Hawn. "The M249 is the hardest."
He reassembled the four weapons in 8 minutes, 35 seconds but had trouble locating a pin for the M-9 pistol which cost him precious time. His best recorded time, to date, for this feat is 6 minutes, 52 seconds.
Airman Link was fluid and didn't miss a beat, completing the task in 7 minutes, 50 seconds; not his best time either which to date is 6 minutes, 54 seconds; but good enough for the win in this unique competition.
Before a winner could be declared, Col. Steve Asher, 341st SFG commander, required both Airmen to "function test" their weapons.
"If they aren't assembled correctly, they can't complete the function test. The weapon won't work," the colonel explained.
All eight pieces were spot on.
"You are the reason I am able to sleep at night," said Col. Sandra Finan, 341st Space Wing commander. "Just knowing you are out there should make us all feel safer all the time."
After Colonel Hughes presented Airman Link with his coin, Colonel Finan followed suit, presenting both Airmen with one of her coins. Colonel Asher joined in as well adding, "My coin comes with a two-day pass . . . but not until after the MSET."
The demonstration, in part, was to show the commander's the TRF was ready for the Missile Standardization, Evaluation and Training inspection which began Monday.
"They might be required to break down and reassemble a weapon by the inspectors," Sergeant Huerd said.
But it is unlikely they will be asked to do it with a blindfold on.
"I am increasingly amazed by the talent and professionalism that lies within the Security Forces Group here," Colonel Asher said. "These young Airmen are making a difference today and will continue setting the bar in the future."