GL Naval Security Force graduates 19 members

Recently, 19 individuals completed extensive training to become members of the Great Lakes Naval Security Force (NSF). The group included four civilians and 15 military Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) personnel. The training included small arms handgun safety, communication skills, security fundamentals, IEDs, watchstanding, personnel inspection, individual search/handcuffing, vehicle inspection, rapid gate access, "active-shooter" training, and courtroom security.
    Chief instructor for the training was Police Training Officer, Lt. Robert Schultz, Naval Station Great Lakes Police Department, who was assisted by MA1(EXW/AW) James Jones, NSGLPD, and DC1(SW/AW) Rob Beckwith.
    Throughout the training, whether in the classroom or in the field, the art of communicating/ listening, being perceptive, knowing the rules, and doing your research were the keys to becoming a member of the ASF.
    In the small-arms handgun safety class, students were taught to always treat a weapon like it was loaded and never point the gun at anything that you do not intend to shoot. "You keep your pointer finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, "said Schultz. "Knowing the rules will keep you out of legal trouble."
    Operational Risk Management (ORM) taught how to assess risk factors and keep those risks low. "Out in the field we must be aware of possible risks and be able to explain them," added Schultz. The keys are to identify, assess the hazards, make risk decisions, and implement control over the situation and then call the supervisor.
    Communication was stressed throughout the course. "If you can't relate, you are in trouble," Schultz said. While verbal skills are important, body language is vital as it delivers up to 80 percent of the message, he noted.
    It is important for the officer to honor a person's personal space. "Be respectful, show that you are listening, set the tone, look and observe, don't point and never underestimate anyone," Schultz said. "Let people vent, let them talk, unless they violate the law. You can't take it personally, you have to step back, maintain professionalism and most important, listen," he added.
    In the introduction to terrorism class research and intelligence gathering is a must, said Jones, who made it clear that terrorism touches all aspects of one's life. "Terrorists are intelligent and very patient. They have learned to exploit us and the way we do business."
    The final session was the courtroom sentry class where Gary Major, law office manager, Region Legal Service Office Midwest, briefed on the role and duties of a courtroom sentry.
    Duties covered included security inspection of all visitors entering the courtroom, sweeping all floors leading to the courtroom, including janitor/electrical closets, deliberation/eyewitness rooms and the main courtroom and the outside of Bldg. 2
    He highlighted the importance of talking to the individuals who enter the area. "Look for emotions, be aware of what is going on," said Major. "Proper procedures must be in place at all times throughout the time that you are on duty. No exceptions."       
    Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) should contact Jones at 688-5555, ext. 236 or e-mail him at james.p.jones@navy.mil.
    The next ASF class is scheduled for April 30 through May 18.