Tyndall builds new defense

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affaris
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron hosted a free Fear Adrenalized Stress Training Defense Course Oct. 10 at the Balfour Beatty Community Center.

The course is designed to teach all ages how to avoid dangerous situations and, if already in one, how to react and handle it.

The class began with Major David Boyd, 325th Security Forces Squadron Commander and lead instructor, giving a brief history of the course and why it was created.

"Eighty-seven percent of all confrontations are verbal before they become physical," Major Boyd said. "There are ways to avoid confrontation."

The first segment of the three-hour course taught students how to verbally avoid violent encounters from occurring. Each participant took a turn deterring an unwanted visitor with help from coaches.

Although this approach may scare a large percent of potential attackers, there are still times when physical defense is needed.

The rest of the class was spent learning and practicing effective strikes on instructors dressed-up in Bullet Man suits.

"My favorite part was when the attackers snuck up from behind," Airman First Class Sarah Adams, 325th Security Forces Squadron Community Police and instructor in training. "It got my adrenaline flowing and I was ready to use what I was taught."

When the class was concluded, the room was filled with smiles and excitement.

"When the class fist begins everyone is reserved and shy," said Staff Sgt. Sally Mellen, 325th Security Force Squadron, Community Police. "By the time it is over, everyone is so lively and you just know they are going to take something with them."

Among the students was Cheryl Roberson, wife of Brigadier General Darryl Roberson, 325th Fighter Wing Commander, who was very enthusiastic about the completing the course.

"It empowers people to know they can take control of the environment and protect themselves," Mrs. Roberson said. "It is a great skill to have."

There class is offered in two forms. The FAST Adults program is for ages 13 and up and the FAST Cats program is for ages 5 to 12.

The course, which is normally $50 per child and $100 per adult, is being taught for free by servicemembers from the security forces squadron.

No prior experience is needed but there is limited space.

"We like the average class to be around 20 people," said Sgt. Mellen. "We want people to feed off the energy of one another."

There are several upcoming classes open to all of team Tyndall. They will all be conducted at the Balfour Beatty Community Center.

Oct. 17 - 2 p.m. FAST Cats class
Nov 18 - 5 p.m. FAST Adult class
Dec. 19 - 2 p.m. FAST Cats class
Feb. 13 - 2 p.m. FAST Cats class
March 24 - 5 p.m. FAST Adult class

For more information contact Sgt. Mellen at (850) 283-4076.