Yokota CATM keeps Airmen "on target"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Security forces personnel have always played a vital role in Yokota's mission. However, one of the more unnoticed aspects of security forces is their commitment to ensuring that Yokota Airmen are proficient in combat arms.

Combat arms training and maintenance instructors provide ground weapons training and inspections for all Air Force personnel. Yokota Air Base employs three skilled instructors who train 2,500 - 3,000 students annually.

"We are here to ensure Yokota Airmen have the ability to effectively and safely handle the weapons systems we train on," said Senior Airman Rodney Wilkins, 374th Security Forces Squadron CATM instructor. "Without us, service members would not deploy with the confidence and capability they need."

CATM instructors train Airmen on a variety of weapons to include pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, grenade launchers and rifles.

"The training helped me gain confidence in my ability to handle the M4 rifle," said Staff Sgt. Raquel Johnson 374th Force Support Squadron guest services manager. "I was able to gain knowledge on how to disassemble, assemble and clean the weapon properly."

Johnson also went on to say, "I was extremely impressed in the instructors' confidence and ability." Instructing seems to come natural to them," she said.

With recent changes to the qualification, students can expect to go a little more in-depth with their weapon than before.

"Recently, the Air Force has implemented new changes to the qualification process," said Tech. Sgt. John Devine, 374th Security Forces Squadron CATM instructor NCO in charge. "We now instruct students on how to shoot and move quickly and effectively. Students are also required to communicate their status as they take cover, reload and conduct immediate actions," he said.

Though the job can be stressful for instructors, it still comes with many rewards.

"Watching a student who is nervous about handling weapons getting expert is a great feeling as an instructor," said Wilkins. "Knowing they accomplished something they could not have done with you is one of the reasons why I love my job."

Students can feel confident when they enter each CATM class. Each instructor attends a ten-week course specializing in professional firearms and spends several years learning the components of a variety of weapons so they are able to fix almost any problem.

"We will ensure the best possible training for each and every person who gets on the plane heading to war from Yokota," said Devine. "We go through rigorous training so we are able to prepare you when you go downrange."