Kaiserslautern American, January 29, 2016

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

January 29, 2016

Volume 40, number 4

Defenders strengthen skills through combative course Story and photos by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Airmen throughout Europe attended a security forces combative course Jan. 11 through 17 on Ramstein. The five-day course is designed to teach security forces members weapon retention and self-defense. “When our people are facing a threat, they need to have the skills and knowledge to defend themselves as well as ensure their weapons are secured,” said Staff Sgt. Jakob Haase, 435th Security Forces Squadron combative instructor. While the program is not new, it has recently grown in popularity as its benefits have become more apparent, according to See COMBATIVE, Page 3

Senior Airman George Henry III and Staff Sgt. Wilbertson Smith, both patrolmen with the 423rd Security Forces Squadron from Royal Air Force Alconbury, U.K., practice self-defense maneuvers during a security forces combative course Jan. 14 on Ramstein. The seven-day course is designed to teach security forces members weapon retention and self-defense so they can handle hostile situations using the most peaceful means possible.

Around 30 senior enlisted leaders from across the 21st Theater Sustainment Command shared ideas, discussed challenges and engaged in a lively professional dialogue designed to improve systems and build more cohesive teams during a seminar held Jan. 20 to 21 on Vogelweh. The two-day seminar focused on strengthening TSC teams, leadership

development, and discussions about timely and relevant issues as well as professional dialogue. Leading subject matter experts across the command delivered presentations on topics ranging from security, force protection and theater military strategy to diplomatic considerations and Soldier issues such as finance and personnel actions. The senior enlisted inspector general representative and garrison transition team delivered presentations. The senior enlisted leaders, most of whom serve as command sergeant majors or enlisted heads of major TSC

staff sections, also conducted a lively self-discovery journey through a program exploring different personality, learning and leadership styles. They then used the understanding to improve teamwork, communication and support of teammates. “It was an opportunity to see the method of thinking and logic of command sergeant majors and sergeant majors at the next level,” said Sgt. 1st Class April Brooks, 106th Finance Detachment detachment sergeant. “It gave me a different perspective to see the method behind the madness and

NEWS

Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jacob McDonald 21st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs

NEWS

Senior enlisted gathering builds stronger ‘Team 21’

When driving in Germany, make sure you have a first-aid kit, reflective safety vest and warning triangle in your vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown.

Mentors guide next generation of leaders, Page 6

See BUILDS, Page 2

LIFESTYLES

Tip of the Week

why they make the decisions they make.” This was not the first seminar of its sort for the TSC senior enlisted leaders. In fact, it built on several previous events. Bringing the leadership together allowed new members of the team to get to know their counterparts and provided an opportunity for robust professional discourse and sharing of ideas, strategies and resources. “This workshop is built on a series of previous development opportunities

KMC Boy Scouts, families race toward fun, Page 8

Women come into power Thursday, Page 15


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