Running and Gunning: Air Force EOD and civilian SWAT conduct joint exercises

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Members of the 366th Training Squadron's Explosive Ordinance Disposal flight here and the Wichita Falls Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team took part in a a joint training exercise at a civilian law enforcement shooting range March 14.

The objective of the exercise was to increase tactical cooperation between Sheppard and the surrounding city of Wichita Falls. There is a standing agreement between the civilian law enforcement that allows civilian SWAT teams to handle certain high risk situations on base and Air Force EOD personnel to provide explosives expertise off base.

"We want to be able to be in the fight, no matter what it is," said Gabriel Vasquez, a special operations law enforcement officer with the Wichita Falls police department.

The joint exercise also focused on utilizing the EOD bomb disposal robot to limit human casualties.
 
"It allows real time intel without causing unnecessary harm," Vasquez said.
 
The robotic capability is seen as invaluable by both sides.
 
"You can't put a price on human life," said Master Sgt. Vincent Pagano, 366th TRS EOD Flight Chief.

Joint exercises like this are also aimed at strengthening relations between the military and civilian community.
 
"We're able to assist and protect in the community," Vasquez said.
 
While the EOD team provides their expertise, they look at the exercise as an effective way to keep their skills sharp as instructors.

"It also helps keep our skills where they need to be," said Staff Sgt. Paul Brow, an EOD preliminary course instructor with the 366th TRS. "When I deploy people are going to expect me to still function as an EOD technician, not an instructor."
 
Fiscally, Brow looks at the exercise as a smart and cheaper alternative to going TDY to maintain his training.
 
"We're using what is available in the local area," Brow said.

Brow looks at the exercises as a matter of awareness and discipline.

"It takes a lot of muscle memory and training," Brow said. "You want to know what's going on in your surroundings."

The civilian SWAT team looks at the exercise as a matter of teamwork and communication.

"How we win is the team aspect," said Jonathan Lindsey, a team member of the Wichita Falls SWAT team. "We win collectively as a team."
 
While there are many differences among how both teams operate, the overall objective among the teams are to accomplish the mission.

"You want to be effective," Brow said.

Vasquez believes that EOD brings a new dynamic to the team.

"What they've seen operational can help us training wise (sic)," Vasquez said. "We're going to be on the same level."