BHILL AFB -- It is Major Doug Ballinger's job to listen to the airmen at Hill Air Force Base (HAFB). So when the servicemen returning from Iraq told him of specific needs for their demanding missions, he not only listened to their concerns, but he also came up with a plan to meet the needs.
Called integrated self-defense training, it is taking place at HAFB for the next two weeks and beyond. In addition, security squadron leaders spent the past two weeks being trained so they could assist the instructor in training the airmen.
The main instructor, Master Manuel Taningco, is a professional the Air Force hired out of Dayton, Ohio. He is a martial arts teacher who blends a variety of martial arts forms into the training. The end result is a form of self-defense that integrates several martial arts skills into a balanced and unique program.
"Master Taningco's biography is three pages long!" exclaims Lt. Caroline Well-mann, an HAFB spokesperson, explaining that leaders have been extremely pleased with the program.
Integrated self-defense train- ing is unique to HAFB.Major Ballinger's responsiveness to the airmen was echoed by Col. Seb Romano, the 75th Airbase Wing Commander. Lieutenant Wellmann says that all leadership has been very supportive of Ballinger's efforts to provide the training that gives the airmen the tools they need to help them with their missions.
The training focuses on what a person can do to protect him or herself if they have no weapon, particularly a gun or rifle. For instance, what if an enemy approaches with a knife?
The training teaches airmen to de-knife the individual and gain control of the situation. Another example is handling an enemy who attacks you with just his hands. "This can also be an extremely dangerous situation," explains Wellmann.
Expanded missions have led to a need for expanded training. Military personnel have found themselves dealing with situations in this (Iraqi) conflict that they were not particularly trained to handle. The integrated self-defense training Major Ballinger designed aims to meet that need.
"Major Ballinger does a great job listening to his airmen. He saw a need for a different type of training that would help our personnel stay safe -- it is very impressive," says Lt. Wellmann.
Airmen will be trained for the next two weeks, prior to their deployment later this year. The training lasts all day, six days a week.
There will be another course taught after the current one in an effort to train more instructors. The Base can then use these instructors, trained by Master Taningco, as needed for future sessions.
Lt. Wellmann has taken self-defense training herself. "This stuff is so useful -- for anyone, really.
"This training at the Base right now is some of the best I've ever seen," she lauded.