urban ops
Maj. Justin Oldt, 99th Mission Support Group, talks with a ‘local villager’ 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 six major commands attended this training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)