YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- As members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Airmen must always be prepared for a fight. All Airmen, regardless of duty title, must demonstrate qualification with the M4A2 rifle; 910th Combat Arms Instructors (CAI) ensure they have this essential skill.
Before stepping onto the firing range, Air Force Reserve members must complete the classroom portion of the course.
Senior Airman Danielle Massengill is a CAI assigned to the 910th Security Forces Squadron.
“I want my students to feel comfortable with the weapon, because ultimately their safety and what they learn in the classroom is my responsibility. I want them to feel safe handling the weapon and proficient when they go out to the range,” said Massengill.
Students learn weapon familiarization through assembly and disassembly, as well as function checks and general information about the weapon’s capabilities. On the firing range, instructors teach basic rifle marksmanship and short range combat skills.
“This is a course for non-combat troops,” said CAI Staff Sgt. Matthew Nunemaker. “It’s not a course for EOD, security forces or special forces,” added Nunemaker.
Known as Red Hats, Combat Arms Maintainers and Instructors belong to the Security Forces Squadron but perform different duties than Security Forces patrolmen.
“Our job is to teach shooters as well as repair weapons and supply ammunition,” said CAI Tech. Sgt. Thomas Harris. “Patrolmen deal with threats to the base and its assets, as well as control entry to the base.”
Nunemaker said that Unit mission and individual deployment requirements determine the frequency of qualifying with the M4 rifle and the M9 pistol.