Proceed with caution

Senior Airman Benjamin Thompson, 375th Security Forces Squadron, opens fire as he moves away from the building during a raid on a village as part of an exercise April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Based on intelligence gathered, two squads entered the village in search of a high value target. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Wingmen

Senior Airmen Bobby Brown and Crystal Williams, 375th Security Forces Squadron, take cover before advancing through the village during an exercise April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Based on intelligence gathered, two squads entered the village in search of a high value target. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Around the corner

Tech. Sgt. Sloan Cox, 375th Security Forces Squadron, looks for enemy movement during a firefight in a village as part of an exercise April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Based on intelligence gathered, two squads entered the village in search of a high value target. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Safety off

Senior Airman Bobby Mullinnix, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, takes aim at a suspicious vehicle during a “mounted” patrol mission April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. Teams of Airmen experienced both mounted (vehicle) and dismounted (foot) patrols through the forests and simulated villages around their base. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Recon

A security forces Airman moves through thick brush during a patrol after a “simulated” attack on their base April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

"Get down!"

Senior Airman Bobby Brown, 375th Security Forces Squadron, tells villagers to get down during a raid exercise on a village April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Based on intelligence gathered, two squads entered the village in search of a high value target. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Enter the void

A security forces Airman moves around the corner as a “local villager” peeks out of her home during an exercise April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The squad entered the village searching for a high value target. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

On the move

Senior Airman Benjamin Thompson, 375th Security Forces Squadron, opens fire as he moves away from the building during a raid on a village as part of an exercise April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Based on intelligence gathered, two squads entered the village in search of a high value target. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Look out

A security forces Airman watches from behind a riot shield during guard duty at the entry control point April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of IED detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Status report

A security forces Airman in the command center calls for a status report after a “simulated” attack on their base as part of an exercise April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Attacking Airmen

An Airman attempts to break out of a choke hold during a hand-to-hand combat class April 14 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This, along with the new Fly Away Security Team training were included in Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. Although not part of the overall course, GCTS provided the specialized training to those Airmen who were required to have it prior to deploying. More than 140 Airmen from more than six major commands attended the three-week course. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Attacking Airmen

Security forces Airmen practice take down and grappling maneuvers during a hand-to-hand combat class April 14 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This, along with the new Fly Away Security Team training were included in Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. Although not part of the overall course, GCTS provided the specialized training to those Airmen who were required to have it prior to deploying. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended the three-week course. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Down range

Airman 1st Class Freund, aims his M249 downrange after a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at their entry control point April 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and VBIEDs during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of IED detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than six major commands attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Break time

An Airman enjoys a snack while pulling a shift in one of the many towers posted along the perimeter of Base Tango during an exercise April 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The exercise was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and VBIEDs during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of IED detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 10 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Alert

Airman 1st Class Mullins and other security forces Airmen went on high alert after a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at their entry control point April 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and VBIEDs during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Check 6

Airman 1st Class Matthew Bisson, 375th Security Forces Squadron, clears his six o’clock as his Rapid Recovery Team returns to base during an exercise April 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Airman Bisson’s team was dispatched to check the area after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at their entry control point. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and VBIEDs during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of IED detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than six major commands attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Line of sight

A security forces Airman watches and waits as her squad regroups and debriefs during an ‘outside the wire’ exercise April 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. The goal for their exercise was to use land navigation techniques to find a weapons cache based on the intelligence they were given. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Within reach

A security forces Airman waits in the turret seat of a humvee to roll out on a ‘mounted’ vehicle mission outside the wire as part of an exercise April 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. Teams of Airmen experienced both mounted (vehicle) and dismounted (foot) patrols through the forests and simulated villages around their base. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than six major commands attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Meeting the locals

A villager offers his wares to a security forces Airman on a simulated counter-insurgency mission April 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Squads of security forces Airmen were sent into simulated villages to mingle with locals, gather intelligence and familiarize themselves with their surroundings. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than six major commands attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Look out below

Senior Airman Chris Croft, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, uses a mirror to check underneath a truck during a vehicle inspection at the entry control point during an exercise April 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of IED detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Entry control

An Airman aims his M249 at the vehicle trying to enter the entry control point during an exercise April 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. ECP guards experienced random vehicle inspections, media visits and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices during posted shifts. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of IED detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. The three-week training culminates with a three-day field training exercise where the Airmen apply what they learned in combat scenarios. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Point & shoot

Maj. Justin Oldt, 99th Mission Support Group, takes position in a line of security forces Airmen on patrol April 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Leader of the pack

Maj. Justin Oldt, 99th Mission Support Group, leads the way during a simulated counter-insurgency mission April 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Squads of security forces Airmen were sent into simulated villages to mingle with locals, gather intelligence and familiarize themselves with their surroundings. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care. More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Walkabout

A squad of security forces Airmen patrol the forests ‘outside the wire’ during simulated mission April 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was part of Air Force Materiel Command’s "Brave Defender" training, which is administered by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron. GCTS instructors push 10 training classes a year, which consists of improvised explosive device detection and reaction, operating in an urban environment, mission planning, land navigation and casualty care.More than 140 Airmen from more than 12 locations attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)