Shocking new tool enhanced Gunfighter LE mission, protects Defenders

Published Jan. 8, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- A stunning experience revealed essential force protection methods for Defenders performing new training here, Dec. 10.

Members of the 366th Security Forces Squadron performed training with the TASER X26, a non-lethal tool Defenders can use to prevent individuals from causing harm to a responding officer.

"Say two individuals are fighting with each other and the fight is getting pretty serious," said Staff Sgt. Giselle Janousek, 366th SFS trainer. "Rather than the officer risk getting hurt by one or both of the individuals fighting, he can deploy his TASER and temporarily incapacitate both individuals so the responding officers can safely apprehend the individuals."

The shocking reality is TASERs keep a safe distance between Defenders and those they intend to apprehend.

"TASERs can be deployed from a distance of seven to 15-feet, which allows a safe reactionary gap between the subject and the officer, thus reducing the risk of injury to both personnel during apprehension," said Janousek. "The five-second cycle from the TASER allows the officer to approach the subject while he or she is incapacitated to quickly place them in handcuffs and take them into custody."

Like all Airmen, safety is paramount to Defenders and all SFS Airmen receive training before being issued a TASER. Some volunteer to be 'TASED,' and receive the five-second exposure.

"Defenders receive a two-day training class," said Janousek. "The first portion of training consists of learning all about the TASER, its effects, nomenclature, misuse and malfunctions when they deploy the TASER, as well as treatment after the TASER has been employed. They also must pass a written exam with a score of 80 percent or higher. Defenders will also receive hands-on training with the TASERs and will deploy four live cartridges during various training scenarios."

Annually, Defenders have to re-certify with the TASER.

One Airman reflected on his experience in being 'TASED,' and described it as a two-part exposure.

"You might not feel the full magnitude of the shock because your clothing is loose," said Maj. Ryan Bodge, 366th SFS commander. "As soon as your clothes tighten, you might get the rest of the shock."

When being exposed to a TASER, one might experience different reactions.

"A TASER works like a jammer," said Janousek. "It jams the sensory and motor nerves causing an individual's muscles to contract for a total of five seconds. After the five-second cycle from the TASER, the individual regains the ability to move their muscles just the same as they did prior to the TASER exposure."

The brain also is affected by the TASER, and varies from person to person.

"On a mental level, some people can become afraid of simply hearing the noise of a TASER sparking after being exposed," said Janousek. "They could also experience critical stress amnesia, which means they may not remember the pain at all."

Those who experienced it all say the same thing, being 'TASED' is far from a pleasant experience. In fact, some called it horrific, which should serve as ample warning to wrongdoers or those who may otherwise consider resisting apprehension ... don't do it on the Gunfighter Defenders' watch.

Shocking new tool enhanced Gunfighter LE mission, protects Defenders

Shocking new tool enhanced Gunfighter LE mission, protects Defenders

Shocking new tool enhanced Gunfighter LE mission, protects Defenders

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