|
In the distance shots are fired as a teacher and her students are
huddled by a lunch table shaking with fear. People are injured and
scared because a local school is under attack by several active
shooters.
Members from the 934th Security Forces Squadron
work together shouting out directional commands to clear out the
building and ensure the safety of the faculty and students. As a
shooter appears from behind a pillar in the lunch room to open fire,
the Airmen respond with accuracy and speed saving the fear-struck
teacher and students from further harm and injury.
Suddenly
everything stops...
The Airmen are asked to place their weapons on safety and review
the virtual scenario.
|
December 3, 2017 - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Patrick Dulzo, 934th
Security Forces Assistant Unit Training Manager monitors U.S. Air
Force Staff Sgt. Robert Smolen and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Richard
Sapp, 934th SF Fireteam members, as they maneuver through a scenario
using the Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives (MILO) simulator
at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station, Minnesota. The MILO
system provides defenders with the ability to customize scenarios to
meet qualification and operational goals and requirements. (U.S. Air
Force photo by Master Sgt. Eric Amidon)
|
While this was not a real event, members from the 934th
SFS are now able to experience a new type of computer-based
simulation-training called MILO, also known as a Multiple
Interactive Learning Objectives system here on base as of
November 27, 2017.
MILO is a simulator that allows
defenders to practice different real-world scenarios they
can encounter on the job in a safe virtual environment. The
simulator helps determine the type of force needed to best
handle a situation, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ross, 934th
SFS operations superintendent explained.
What sets MILO apart from
other training simulators is the ability to create
customized scenarios that can be digitally recorded by
training managers and then uploaded to the system. This
allows trainers to develop virtual situations at specific
locations or buildings throughout the 934th Airlift Wing and
provides defenders an opportunity to train for real
situations they could encounter.
Additionally,
training managers can load other training scenarios from
around the world into MILO that can prepare defenders for
upcoming qualifying exams or deployments ensuring 934th SFS
members are combat-ready.
“Before we had MILO there
was absolutely no way we could simulate a use of force
situation outside of this kind of environment unless it was
real-world,” Ross said. “We can now build our own story
boards and take it to any direction. We can even help
individuals who need extra help passing the Air Force
qualification course or just some extra practice working on
mechanics, communication and breathing.”
MILO helps
defenders build and strengthen muscle-memory instincts so
when the time calls for them to respond they are able to
recall their training to make the best choices and decisions
possible when out in the field.
Senior Airman Caleb
Steeves, 934th SFS fire team member, recently completed
several MILO training scenarios and explained how MILO is
already improving the readiness of 934th defenders, “It’s
not about shooting. A lot of times it’s about managing
stress, managing anxiety and making the right decisions in a
situation. MILO helps defenders be both physically and
mentally prepared.”
What makes MILO training unique
is it allows defenders to be untethered since it does not
use a hose system to replicate the feeling of shots fired.
Instead, the system uses carbon-dioxide cylinders in casings
resembling ammo cartridges. Using carbon-dioxide in ammo
cartridges gives defenders more freedom to move around and
provides more of a natural feel during training.
Additionally, MILO allows training managers to convert the
weapons systems the 934th SFS already have in-stock to be
used on the simulator.
“Technology has advanced to
the point now that we can use lasers and special cartridges
to convert the weapon systems that we have to use in the
simulator,” Ross explained. “We can use the M-9, the M-4, a
taser, OC spray, a baton, and we can even simulate punches
and kicks, so it’s pretty endless what we can do.”
While 934th defenders might not be faced with a local school
shooting anytime soon here at home station, MILO is truly
versatile since it provides a first-hand perspective on the
different challenges and choices police officers and
security forces members face in the line of duty.
“MILO provides an opportunity for other people who are not
security forces members to see what we do and what we deal
with,” Steeves said. “A common expression is you never know
how an officer feels or what he is going through until you
stand in his shoes, and this is a great way for civilians
and Airmen who are not security forces members to stand in
our shoes and stand behind the weapon and make the choices
that we have to make every day.”
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Amber Jacobs
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2018
Comment on this article |
