SFST training offers unique volunteer opportunity

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Members of the 366th Security Forces Squadron conducted standardized field sobriety testing with help from five volunteers Dec. 2.

The testing was conducted in an effort to train patrolmen on the proper procedures for recognizing individuals who may be under the influence of alcohol.

Twenty-nine Gunfighters have received DUI's so far in 2011, there were a total of 26 in 2010, therefore traffic safety and base personnel security is a top priority for senior leaders.

"One of my goals is to provide a safe living and working environment for base personnel and a safe, effective traffic flow is a major part of that," said Maj. Keith Quick, 366th SFS commander. "The standardized field sobriety test is effective in ensuring security forces members have the necessary skill set and are ready to respond to any incident to determine if an individual is under the influence while driving."

According to abovetheinfluence.com approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die each year in the United States as a result of driving under the influence. While underage drinking isn't a serious problem here patrolmen are ready and on the lookout for any offender regardless of age.

"Offenders must realize security forces will not tolerate this kind of activity on base because drinking and driving is not a mistake, it is a crime," said Quick. "This kind of training is another tool that allows us to enforce the law and keep people safe."

The SFST served as an eye-opener for one volunteer.

"This was an enlightening experience for me," said Senior Airman Aaron Wanzer, 366th Comptroller Squadron retirement and separations technician. "I couldn't accomplish any of the simple tasks they gave me and our consumption was monitored by SFS personnel throughout the entirety of the training."

The SFS personnel were careful to monitor the amount of alcohol consumed by each volunteer because a portion of the SFST requires patrolmen be able to judge the individual's approximate blood-alcohol level.

"These volunteers are assisting us with the SFST and helping our personnel to be able to recognize DUI and DWI offenders," said Staff Sgt. Shay Green 366th SFS instructor. "Being able to detect the presence of alcohol from a person is a valuable skill for law-enforcement personnel. The volunteers have all consumed different amounts and part of the training is for officers to be able to determine if they pose a danger to themselves and the public."

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