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Hello All:
I have been working on developing a Force Protection course for the CF. For the past year, I have been teaching force protection to the Navy and other members of joint commands in the DC area and the more I teach the course, the more I find there may be a need for this in the CF.
The Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion (MCSF) is responsible for providing security forces for a variety of missions. Some of these include assets that involve national security as well as quick reaction forces for some US installations both domestic and international. Up until recently, MCSF was tasked with training sailors in force protection for both domestic and international shore installations. This program was called the Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF). Sailors were assigned to the program for a period of 18 months. During that time, they would perform security functions at their naval installation.
In the global war on terror, force protection has become a priority. It is not enough to go out on missions and kill the enemy. There is a need to protect the fighting forces when in base camp within the theatre of operations. My concept for the CF is rooted in the function of ASF but adapted to meet the needs of the CF.
I am told the Infantry school at Gagetown is currently working on developing the force protection program although it is still in its infancy. I have asked my buddies in the great white north what the CF does for force protection and the response was simple: "a little bit of everything, they're still writing the book." In view of the fact that CF units are now operating jointly, and some are even integrated with American units overseas, it would only make sense that a force protection program currently being used by US forces be instituted unilaterally across the CF as a means to standardize some training between the two nations. It would only be logical that the infantry school take a page out of the book of Marine knowledge and adapt it for use at home. If anyone knows who is working on this at the infantry school, PM me to let me know so that I can contact them.
Here is an overview of my plan:
The program would be a three-week basic course.
Subjects would include physical security, weapons, anti-terrorism.
Physical Security:
-Use of force/deadly force
-Interior guard
-Entry control points (ECP)
-Unarmed Self-defense (strikes, pressure points, throws, take-downs)
-Force protection conditions
-Communications
-Observation techniques
-Response to alarm or incident
-Vehicle Search
-Personnel Search
Anti-Terrorism
-Introduction to anti-terrorism
-Terrorist operations
-Hostage survival techniques
-Individual protective measures
Weapons
-Introduction to the Marine Corps Known Distance Course of Fire
-Zeroing the C-7 Rifle
-Fundamentals of Marine Rifle Marksmanship (aiming, breathing, trigger control)
-Effects of weather
-Shooting positions (seven common factors)
-Use of the shooting data book
-C-7 Weapons handling
-Range exercise (1 week)
Final Evaluations:
-Final Exercise would consist of a simulated compound where skills are confirmed through practical application.
Other Evaluations:
1. Deadly Force and anti-terrorism (written exam)
2. Academics (everything else) (written exam)
3. Qualification shoot using the Marine Corps KD course of fire (200, 300 & 500 meters).
4. C-7 Weapons handling test
5. Unarmed self-defense practical test
My view is that that first two serials of this course would include those who would become Force Protection trainers in their respective area (LFW, LCF etc). Since all MCpls and above must be qualified to instruct, they would only need to confirm their ability through certification at the infantry school. In order to obtain FP trainer certification, they would need to give a period of instruction on unarmed self-defense, a weapons lecture and Deadly force/use of force. This would be in addition to taking the basic course.
This program would be very useful for the reserve since many of reservists are augmenting the regular force on missions. This would ensure they are trained to at least perform force protection duties as opposed to just standing watch at a gate with a set of rules of engagement and a rifle. I would even go as far as to suggest that all deploying soldiers would require to take this training before heading to any hot spot regardless of the mission at hand.
This training would also benefit all domestic bases for force protection. Although the Commissionaires are guarding the gate, should there be an incident where the base is on alert, there would be a large number of personnel trained to respond to it effectively. My own experience at visiting CFB Gagetown during a base security exercise was dismal. Soliders just didn't really know what to do at the entry control point while others just let me through a checkpoint saying that "it's only an exercise and for all intensive purposes, I searched your vehicle."...and this was an officer. In my opinion, most CF bases are at risk.
There should also be a plan to train 10 per cent of all base personnel through this course in order to have a force in readiness for force protection. We have to remember that force protection is not just for overseas missions, but for at home as well. Your thoughts and reactions as per normal.
PJ D-Dog
I have been working on developing a Force Protection course for the CF. For the past year, I have been teaching force protection to the Navy and other members of joint commands in the DC area and the more I teach the course, the more I find there may be a need for this in the CF.
The Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion (MCSF) is responsible for providing security forces for a variety of missions. Some of these include assets that involve national security as well as quick reaction forces for some US installations both domestic and international. Up until recently, MCSF was tasked with training sailors in force protection for both domestic and international shore installations. This program was called the Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF). Sailors were assigned to the program for a period of 18 months. During that time, they would perform security functions at their naval installation.
In the global war on terror, force protection has become a priority. It is not enough to go out on missions and kill the enemy. There is a need to protect the fighting forces when in base camp within the theatre of operations. My concept for the CF is rooted in the function of ASF but adapted to meet the needs of the CF.
I am told the Infantry school at Gagetown is currently working on developing the force protection program although it is still in its infancy. I have asked my buddies in the great white north what the CF does for force protection and the response was simple: "a little bit of everything, they're still writing the book." In view of the fact that CF units are now operating jointly, and some are even integrated with American units overseas, it would only make sense that a force protection program currently being used by US forces be instituted unilaterally across the CF as a means to standardize some training between the two nations. It would only be logical that the infantry school take a page out of the book of Marine knowledge and adapt it for use at home. If anyone knows who is working on this at the infantry school, PM me to let me know so that I can contact them.
Here is an overview of my plan:
The program would be a three-week basic course.
Subjects would include physical security, weapons, anti-terrorism.
Physical Security:
-Use of force/deadly force
-Interior guard
-Entry control points (ECP)
-Unarmed Self-defense (strikes, pressure points, throws, take-downs)
-Force protection conditions
-Communications
-Observation techniques
-Response to alarm or incident
-Vehicle Search
-Personnel Search
Anti-Terrorism
-Introduction to anti-terrorism
-Terrorist operations
-Hostage survival techniques
-Individual protective measures
Weapons
-Introduction to the Marine Corps Known Distance Course of Fire
-Zeroing the C-7 Rifle
-Fundamentals of Marine Rifle Marksmanship (aiming, breathing, trigger control)
-Effects of weather
-Shooting positions (seven common factors)
-Use of the shooting data book
-C-7 Weapons handling
-Range exercise (1 week)
Final Evaluations:
-Final Exercise would consist of a simulated compound where skills are confirmed through practical application.
Other Evaluations:
1. Deadly Force and anti-terrorism (written exam)
2. Academics (everything else) (written exam)
3. Qualification shoot using the Marine Corps KD course of fire (200, 300 & 500 meters).
4. C-7 Weapons handling test
5. Unarmed self-defense practical test
My view is that that first two serials of this course would include those who would become Force Protection trainers in their respective area (LFW, LCF etc). Since all MCpls and above must be qualified to instruct, they would only need to confirm their ability through certification at the infantry school. In order to obtain FP trainer certification, they would need to give a period of instruction on unarmed self-defense, a weapons lecture and Deadly force/use of force. This would be in addition to taking the basic course.
This program would be very useful for the reserve since many of reservists are augmenting the regular force on missions. This would ensure they are trained to at least perform force protection duties as opposed to just standing watch at a gate with a set of rules of engagement and a rifle. I would even go as far as to suggest that all deploying soldiers would require to take this training before heading to any hot spot regardless of the mission at hand.
This training would also benefit all domestic bases for force protection. Although the Commissionaires are guarding the gate, should there be an incident where the base is on alert, there would be a large number of personnel trained to respond to it effectively. My own experience at visiting CFB Gagetown during a base security exercise was dismal. Soliders just didn't really know what to do at the entry control point while others just let me through a checkpoint saying that "it's only an exercise and for all intensive purposes, I searched your vehicle."...and this was an officer. In my opinion, most CF bases are at risk.
There should also be a plan to train 10 per cent of all base personnel through this course in order to have a force in readiness for force protection. We have to remember that force protection is not just for overseas missions, but for at home as well. Your thoughts and reactions as per normal.
PJ D-Dog
