736th SFS Defenders train with Japanese and Australian forces

Pacific Defender 20-1, which was hosted by the 736th Security Forces Squadron Commando Warrior flight, is the first in a region-wide series of security forces-centric exercises and subject matter expert exchanges scheduled for this year. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces-sponsored events bring together security forces personnel and key leaders from various Indo-Pacific nations to exchange knowledge through a week of demonstrations and hands-on practice, culminating in a two-day field application where participants put their new skills to the test.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Kiggins, 736th SFS commander, explained the subject matter expert exchange emphasizes interoperability between partner nations in the Pacific region, empowering members from all countries involved to move past cultural and language barriers. Participants identify commonalities and differences in tactics, techniques and procedures in order to create opportunities for integration into each others’ processes and form the most effective team possible.

“It’s an awesome opportunity being able to see how the (JASDF) and RAAF work,” said Airman 1st Class Brandon Schleis, 824th Base Defense Squadron fire team member. “Getting to know what their operating procedures are compared to ours and having the chance to practice adaptive basing, which is new to us, has been very beneficial.”

During the exchange, participants observed U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and RAAF military working dog capability demonstrations and tested weapons used by U.S., RAAF and JASDF security forces personnel. There were also hand-to-hand combatives instruction sessions as well as opportunities to practice operating in a simulated hostile environment.