Defenders Lead Week-Long Air Force Combatives Class

March 19, 2025 Hannah Sanchez 1st SOSFS, 452nd SFS, SF Units, USAF 0
Staff Sgt. Eric Raven, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, demonstrates a procedure with Master Sgt. Michael Matulich, 452nd Security Forces Squadron, during an Air Force combatives class March 13, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida — Approximately 20 Airmen participated in a week-long Air Force combatives course to become instructors.  The Airmen learned how to perform the specific holds and maneuvers, but also how to teach the techniques to others.  Imagery by Matt Veasley, Michelle Gigante and Samuel King Jr.

  • Published March 19, 2025


Airman 1st Class Arena Houston, 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron, performs a hold on her partner during an Air Force combatives class March 13, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Airman 1st Class Blake Caulkins, 96th Communications Squadron, spars with Airman 1st Class Caine Alvarez, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, during an Air Force combatives class March 12, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)
Airmen perform various takedowns during an Air Force combatives class March 13, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Senior Airman Ajia Fegurgur, 96th Operations Support Squadron, spars with Senior Airman Kayla Tabalske, 96th Medical Group, during an Air Force combatives class March 13, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matt Veasley)
Staff Sgt Eric Raven, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, explains a manuever with 1st Lt. Caleb Kelley, 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron, during an Air Force combatives class March 12, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matt Veasley)
Senior Airman Ajia Fegurgur, 96th Operations Support Squadron, spars with Senior Airman Kayla Tabalske, 96th Medical Group, during an Air Force combatives class March 13, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matt Veasley)
Staff Sgt. Eric Raven, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron demonstrates a hold on Staff Sgt. Kristopher Esquivel, 452nd Security Forces Squadron, during an Air Force combatives class March 12, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 20 Airmen participated in the week-long course to earn their combatives instructor certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matt Veasley)